A Moment for Mission
“We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.” — Ephesians 1:11-14, CEB
Ephesians 1:11-14 invites us to see our lives as part of God’s grand plan: “The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.” This scripture reminds us that God is always at work, weaving together our stories into a greater purpose.
All Saints Day gives us a moment to pause and remember those who have gone before us—the parents, grandparents, friends, and church members whose faith shaped ours. Their lives demonstrate God’s faithfulness, a faith that continues in us today. Celebrating them is not only an act of remembrance but a recognition that we, too, are part of God’s unfolding story.
In The United Methodist Church, we honor saints by remembering their lives, sharing stories of their faith, and giving in their honor to continue God’s work through ministry. This practice of connectional giving ensures that their legacy continues, strengthening the church, supporting missions, and sharing God’s love in the world. Just as the Holy Spirit is our seal, the impact of the saints’ lives marks our church family, connecting generations in faith and service.
Remembering the saints inspires us to live with greater faith, purpose, and love. We are reminded that faith is not just personal—it is communal. Ephesians calls us to recognize that God’s plan involves the entire body of Christ, past, present, and future. When we celebrate, All Saints Day, we celebrate the continuity of God’s love, a love that never dies but lives on through God’s people.
This week, reflect on the saints in your own life. How has their faith shaped yours? How can you honor them through your own acts of service, generosity, and devotion? By participating in connectional giving or supporting the church in their memory, you extend the story of God’s grace into the next generation. Consider honoring the life and faith of someone you love—make a gift through your local church today and let their legacy shine through ministry.
Reflection Question:
How can I live in a way that honors the saints who came before me while participating in God’s plan today?
Children’s Message
Title: Walking in the Light of the Saints
Materials: A small flashlight or LED candle, congregants turning on their phone flashlights (optional)
Good morning friends!
Today we’re talking about something all of you know about - light. Can you tell me where you see lights? (Let the children answer). Yes, there are lights everywhere in this room aren’t there? Can you tell me what lights do for us? (You are trying to lead them to the answers they show us the way when we can’t see). Yes, lights help us see where we are going when we can’t see.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 1:11-14 that God has a plan for each of us, and He gives us the Holy Spirit as a promise of His love. That means God is always with us, guiding us and helping us shine. You could say the Holy Spirit is like a light that helps us see when we don’t know where we are going.
Today we are celebrating All Saints Day! On this day, we remember people who loved God very much and have gone to be with Him—like grandparents, teachers, or friends from church. We have these candles on the altar to help us remember them.
These people showed us how to love God and care for others. We call them saints—people who love and act like Jesus. Saints share God’s love by being helpful, kind, and loving every single day.
(Hold up the flashlight or candle.)
See this light? The saints were like lights in the world—they shone God’s love for everyone to see. Even though they aren’t with us anymore, their light still shines in our hearts. And just like them, we can shine God’s love too, by being kind, helping others, and sharing what we have.
God’s plan includes all of us, and remembering the saints helps us see how God works through people, both past and present.
OPTIONAL: Ask some adults and older adults to turn on their phone flashlights. When you get to this point signal to the congregation and say…Now look around…do you see all the lights? Each one shows the people who are here today and the people we remember who are with God. That’s a lot of lights, isn’t it? Today, I want you to go and be a light for someone who feels sad or lonely. God wants us to share His light with everyone, today and every day
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the saints who loved You and helped us. Help us to remember them, to love like they did, and to share Your love with everyone. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God,
We thank You for the faithful saints who have gone before us, whose lives shaped our faith and strengthened Your church. As Ephesians 1:11-14 reminds us, You work all things according to Your plan, and through Your Spirit, we are promised hope and inheritance. May these gifts we bring honor their memory and continue their legacy of love and service. Bless our offerings to strengthen the ministry of the United Methodist Church, connecting us in mission and purpose. Help us to live as part of Your eternal plan, sharing Your grace with the world. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries
Gracious God of every growing gift, you call forth saints not with perfection, but with purpose — to grow in faith, abound in love, and serve with steadfastness. Receive these offerings as signs of our gratitude, given by those you are shaping for good works in Christ. Use them to build up your church, to bless the world, and to honor those who have taught us to love more deeply. May our generosity today reflect your glory and strengthen us to walk ever more faithfully in your way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.” Ephesians 1:11-14, CEB
Ephesians 1:11-14 reminds us that God works in all things according to His plan and seals us with the Holy Spirit as a promise of our inheritance. On All Saints Day, we honor those who have gone before us, celebrating their faith and the legacy of God’s work through them. Their lives remind us that we are part of a larger story of God’s love, lived out in community.
Join us this Sunday for worship as we remember the saints and give thanks for God’s faithfulness to further the ministry of the United Methodist Church.