All Saints’ Day: Remembering with Gratitude, Living with Hope

Dear St. Michael’s Family,

I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday, November 1, as we celebrate All Saints’ Day, a beautiful and tender occasion when we remember those whose lives and love have shaped our own.

On this day, we give thanks for all the saints, known and unknown: those whose faith inspired generations and those whose quiet kindness, compassion, and love touched our lives personally.



For some, this will be your first All Saints’ Day without someone you love. For others, years have passed, yet you still miss their voice, their laughter, their presence. Grief and gratitude often walk hand in hand.

Jesus reminds us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Our Christian hope does not erase the pain of separation but assures us that death does not have the final word. Love does. In Christ, we remain united in a communion of saints that even death cannot destroy.

I also want to express my gratitude to our Garden and Grounds Guild for their loving work restoring our Resurrection Memorial Garden. Existing plaques are being refurbished, and additional plaques are being prepared to honor those laid to rest there. Although this work may not be completed by Sunday, we anticipate a special rededication of the Garden and other renewed spaces during Eastertide next spring. Watch for details in January.

As we gather this Sunday, bring your memories, your gratitude, and even your grief. Remember those whose love helped shape your life. And remember that you, too, are among God's beloved saints, called to reflect Christ's light and love in the world.

Together, we celebrate the risen Christ, whose love holds us all, both the living and the departed.

In Christ's Love,

ST. MICHAEL'S PRAYER LIST

Those who have commended themselves to our prayers: Bill L., Cindy S., Fara, Lane, Lauren, Sharon, Tara, Tim

Long-Term Prayer List: Allen P., Amy, Angela, Alex, Alexa C., Arline, Barbara, Barbara Jean, Chris M., Chris P., Colton, Cynthia L., Damian M., Dan, Dan G., David B., Deirdre E., Donna S., Ellen, Eugenia, Felicia, George T., Gylla, Jackie, Jason, Jeffrey, Joyce B., JoAnn O., John M., Joseph T., Julia L., Justin, Kris R., Kyle, Lavelle B., Leigh, Lisa H. & Family, Marci A., Marcia C., Margie S., Mary F., Mike, Paul, Pauline, Pedro, Peggy H., Pete, Phil, Sam M., Sarah, Scott S., Shelley (Warren), Sonia, Stephen, Stephanie G., Steve (Jackie), Steve C., Susana C., Susan A., Susan M., Thomasina M., Victor, Zoe

Rest In Peace: Nikki Waldron, Aunt of Alex Christou

Those serving in the armed forces and in harm’s way: Aaron D., Ben V., Bradley H., Chad S., Christopher E., Gloria, Hank H., Hope H., Jonah H., Kenneth K., Matt F., Nick R., Will M., Stuart R.

Birthdays: 30: Connor Cox, Suzanne Thomas, Cheryl James, 31: Kathy Cardwell, 1: Paige Mahnken, 2: Andrew Caruso, Parks Bennett, 3: Sally Kennedy, Foster Leger, Kate Jamison, Eric LeBron, 4: Kacy Tramell



Anniversaries: 4: David and Christine Gay



A Gentle Reminder About the Prayer List: Names that have been placed on the prayer list will remain on the short-term list for 2 weeks. At that time they will transition to the long-term list for the remainder of a 90 - day period.

To place someone on the prayer list, please get in touch with Ashleigh in the parish office at ashleigh@stmichaelschurch.com or call 407-843-8448.

CLERGY AND MINISTERIAL STAFF

The Rev. Rick Luoni, Rector

The Rev. Greg Favazza, Assisting Priest

Omaldo Pérez, Director of Music Ministry

Mike Robertson, Director of Outreach

Tiffany Stieger, Director of Children’s Ministry

Melanie Olivier, Director of Preschool

Mark T. Cole, Director of Youth Ministries