Celebrating Three Holy Days:

All Hallows Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day

Halloween -or All Hallows Eve - is so much more than costumes and candy! On the last day of October the Church invites us into one of the most meaningful—and often overlooked —three-day cycles of the Christian year: All Hallows' Eve (Oct 31), All Saints’ Day (Nov 1), and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2). Together, these days form a tapestry of faith, connecting us with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and reminding us of the promise of resurrection life.

All Hallows' Eve/Halloween

Before the costumes, candy, and carved pumpkins, this evening recognized the thin veil between this world and the next with a prayer vigil held on the night before the Feast of All Saints. It was a time when Christians faced the darkness of the world with faith and even joy, lighting candles to welcome home ancestors. This is a night to celebrate the triumph of life over fear — and maybe even to bless a few trick-or-treaters along the way!

All Saints' Day/ Nov 1st

On All Saints’ Day, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the great communion of saints — those known and unknown, famous and ordinary — who have shown us what it means to follow Jesus with courage, compassion, and joy. One of the principal feasts of the Church year, All Saints’ Day is also a traditional day for baptisms, as we welcome new members into the body of Christ.

All Souls' Day/Nov 2nd

Finally, All Souls’ Day draws us close to those we love but see no longer. On this day, we remember every soul who rests in God’s mercy, entrusting them — and ourselves — to the One who promises resurrection and life everlasting. It’s a day for candles, prayer, and quiet gratitude, as we hold before God the whole human story, redeemed in Christ.

Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead

We'll honor All the Faithful Departed in several ways at St. John's; one is our Dia de los Muertos altar in the Parish Hall. This practice, rooted in indigenous Mexican culture, has at its heart the loving remembrance of those who have died—honoring their lives, telling their stories, and celebrating their continued presence in the community. You are invited to bring pictures, mementos, and favorite foods to honor your departed loved ones and place on our altar.

Speaking of food: make a favorite family recipe to share at our All Saints Coffee Hour! This special themed coffee hour honors our loved ones as we share the dishes that they loved best. Coffee Hour occurs in between our two worship services, from 9:00-9:50.

These three days offer us a holy opportunity: to face our fears with faith, to celebrate the communion of saints, and to remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Blessings,

Rev Jill