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

As is my custom on All Saints Day, I pause and give thanks – both privately and here on the blog – for those that I know who passed from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant the past 12 months.

This year was not an easy one and there are so many names on this list that I deeply miss and their passing to be with the Lord leaves a spot missing on this side of eternity.

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!

This year I remember and give thanks for the lives of:

• Zachary – A faithful pastor who showed care and concern for many in the midst of his own challenges – physical and otherwise.
• Leon – An icon of the church in this region and a mentor to lots of pastors over many years
• Ray – One of my family’s oldest and best friends, a gentle spirit and a devoted husband
• Bob – a faithful and active pastor, always ready to help out
• Cliff – A character – one of a kind. He was a pillar of our church and a faithful, hard working long-time volunteer and leader there, a dear friend of our family whose decline was frustrating for him and very painful for the rest of us to experience as we walked alongside him.
• Vera – a Presbyterian’s Presbyterian. Faithful and active ruling elder serving many years as clerk of session. And someone who always seemed to have a smile.
• Tom – a pastor in so many senses of the word

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

As they have joined the mighty cloud of witnesses my life has been enriched by knowing and serving with each one of them. Well done good and faithful servants.

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,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!