If you haven't noticed it yet the church cupola is being repaired. One morning I came to work and discovered that all of the shuttered panels of the cupola were missing. When I opened the side door of the building to go upstairs to my office there sat the panels leaning against the wall. They were worn with age and needing a fresh coat or two of paint.

Several days later in worship one of the workers stood up in sharing time and said they had found a note in the cupola which read:

May 4, 1927
These Frames was built by Harry Wirtz
R. A. Lefiner & Pat Magele
at F.D. Beyer Tyrone, PA

I responded by saying something like "Bless the saints who made the frames and the saints who are repairing them." I was thinking of a saint as someone who does a good deed, especially one that I am not able or inclined to do.

The word "saint" however, means "holy or sacred one." In the Catechism of the Catholic church a saint is "a disciple who has lived a life of exemplary fidelity to the Lord." The Catholic Church has an official process to become a saint after being canonized by the Pope. In contrast, Protestants have broadly defined saints as all believers in Jesus Christ both living and dead. This definition recognizes that saints are not perfect, instead they are human beings who try to serve God faithfully.

All Saints Day is a Christian holy day observed by many Western churches on November 1 and by Eastern churches on the first Sunday after Pentecost. It is observed as a day to honor all the saints of the church, even those not known by name. Traditionally neither Baptists nor Brethren have observed this holy day. Still we know people in our lives whom we call "saints" - people who have been living examples of Christ-like love and compassion, people who have challenged us to live joyful lives of service.

My mother, Beverly Kline was one of many saints in my life. She spent most of her adult life working in non-profit agencies that served families and youth, and victims of domestic violence. Though her time, skills and insights were important to these agencies I think that her persistent voice of hope was invaluable. She believed in the goodness and ability of people to make important changes in their lives. She rarely gave up on anyone or any situation. Of course, she wasn't perfect, she was very human, and had her own pet peeves and shortcomings. Still she felt called and guided by Christ to continue the work she had been given.

As All Saints Day approaches and throughout the month of November I invite you to take time to recognize the saints in your life. Name them, thank God for them, and reflect upon the ways they have encouraged or challenged you to serve God faithfully. Then picture yourself marching in that long line of saints throughout the ages.

Lord, I want to be in that number when the Saints go marchin' in!

Bonnie

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