Tuesday was November 1st!   All Saint’s Day.  How did you celebrate?!  You didn’t??  Why not?  We get all caught up in Halloween – All Hallow’s Eve – the day before All Saints Day and then “miss” the main event the following day. A day set aside to remember those who’ve gone before us in the faith. Steve Green has a wonderful song, “Find us Faithful” that speaks to that very idea:

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Faithfulness is at an all time low with “starter marriages” and one night stands. I’m officiating at several weddings this Fall and I’m always sobered by the marriage vows:

“I take you to be my husband/wife to have and to hold, from this day forward. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto, I pledge you my faith.”

What makes for a great marriage? Faithfulness to our vows regardless of changing life circumstances.. Without the vows, you are uncommitted roommates at best. Marriage vows and membership vows are sacred before God. Thankfully, He is always faithful..

This week the 7th Billion person was born on planet earth. Will he or she find us faithful – to God, each other and to their generation? I pray they will!

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Pastor Mark

PS -Thanks to Cyvil Burks for preaching and all those who participated in Laity Sunday! It was a great day of worship and outstanding “Three Alarm” Chili! Congrats to the OKC firefighters and all who brought your award-winning chili to share!

PPS – Be sure to schedule your appointment today for next week’s photos! Thanks!