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Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10 am
All Saints Day
"Shining with Light"
All Saints is a day of remembrance for the saints. We celebrate the communion of saints as we remember those who have died and give thanks for our connectedness as Christians. The Christian festival of All Saints' Day comes from a conviction that there is a spiritual bond between those in heaven and on earth. This day allows us to express gratitude to God for the lives and deaths of all the saints that have influenced and shaped our lives. On this Sunday, we hear a passage from the first letter to the Thessalonians written by Paul, encouraging the early Christ followers: “We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God, who calls you to his glorious kingdom.”
As we worship, we will light a candle, ring a bell, and after all names have been shared, we will stand for the saints that have died this year. Often, we come to All Saints worship remembering the saints that have influenced our lives. We invite you to light a candle for these saints, even if it is not this year that they have died, and for those who may not have been named in worship. There will be tables in the front of the sanctuary, and you can light a candle before worship, during the opening hymn, or as worship concludes. This practice will express gratitude for all the saints who have influenced and shaped our lives.
On this All Saints Day, we remember, we weep, we celebrate as we look to the promised possibilities of life beyond death. We find encouragement to live our lives well before God. Let us experience, celebrate, and share God’s love.
Service led by Rev. Julie Kline
Worship
Baptism and Holy Communion
Sacraments
The United Methodist Church celebrates two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion (Lord’s Supper or Eucharist). These were both instituted or commanded by Christ in the Gospels.
“Sacraments are sign-acts, which include words, actions, and physical elements. They both express and convey the gracious love of God, making it visible and effective. In all our brokenness and limitations, we can receive and experience God’s grace through the sacraments.” (This Holy Mystery)
Baptism
In Baptism “we are initiated into Christ’s holy church…incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.” In baptism we reject the power of sin and begin our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, we are born into a new way of living. Whether an infant or adult, this is just the beginning.
Baptism takes place during public worship of the community we call the church. Persons of any age may be baptized. Infants, children and others unable to take the vows for themselves are presented by parents and/or sponsors. Later those young people make their personal profession of faith in the service called confirmation.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is an act through which our connection with God, each other and our life of ministry in the world is nourished and strengthened. It is a profound act of remembrance that recalls the last supper Jesus had with his disciples.
In the United Methodist communion liturgy, we pray seeking the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the gifts of bread and juice so that we will be sustained and strengthened to live as Christians in the world. We remember the saving work God has done through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We also celebrate God’s work of making us one with Christ and uniting us in ministry to all the world.
The United Methodist Church practices open table communion. This means all are welcome with no barriers to community with Jesus Christ and with others.
At Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, communion is served on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on Christmas Eve, Holy Thursday, and other special days.