November 2025

“Saints Among Us”

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2, NRSV)

As we approach All Saints Sunday, I find myself reflecting on the saints who have shaped our faith community. Since I was appointed to the Upper St. Croix Parish UMC, we have said goodbye to many beloved members—especially during the difficult days of the pandemic. Their faith, kindness, and steadfast love for the church still echo in our hearts.
One particular saint especially comes to mind. During my first year here, I sent greeting cards to longtime members who had not attended worship for a while, introducing myself as the new pastor. Among those I wrote to, a few responded with kind notes of thanks. One man’s card deeply touched me. He wrote, “Thank you for remembering me. I attended the church years ago but moved away. Now I am back in town, old and sick, staying at the Continuing Care Center. No one recognizes me anymore, and I felt forgotten—until your letter reminded me that I still belong. Thank you.”

I visited him soon after at the nursing home, and from then on, we stayed in touch until he passed away. He had a beautiful voice to sing for God, a gentle heart for others, and a deep love for the church. Though he is gone, his memory continues to live in my heart and in the hearts of those he touched. Each All Saints Sunday, he comes to mind again—a reminder that the cloud of witnesses still surrounds us.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us,” fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. The saints—both those who have gone before us and those who walk beside us today—show us how to run that race faithfully.

So, take a look around you. Is there someone who feels forgotten, unseen, or alone? All Saints Sunday is not only a day to remember those who rest in God’s eternal care; it is also a day to give thanks for the living saints among us—those who continue to love, serve, and pray in Jesus’ name. Saints are not perfect people; they are people through whom God’s light shines.

When we gather on November 2nd to name our saints, let us remember that together we form that “great cloud of witnesses,” cheering one another on in faith.

May we live with gratitude for all who have shown us the way of Christ—past and present—and may our lives, too, become a witness of God’s love for generations to come.

With thanksgiving for all the saints,

Pastor Jenny