For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Greetings on this All Saints Day.  While it may not be a regular part of our Presbyterian heritage, for many years now I have observed it as an opportunity to remember those Saints that I have known in my life and the impact they have had on me and the Church.

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

As I spend much of the day humming Sine Nomine I particularly remember those who went to be with the Lord in the last year.  For Ed, a very faithful choir member and long-time member of the church.  For Vivian, a hard working presbyter and congregation leader.

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the wife of one of our hard working elders and seminary students.  For warm and fuzzy individuals but real prayer warriors such as Fern.  For another Ed who lived out his faith in the public arena.

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For all of these faithful individuals and many more I give thanks for their impact on the church and on me.

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the complete words to For All the Saints, by William Walsham How, from the CyberHymnal