newsletter

Yesterday, we celebrated what, in the Church, is known as All Saints’ Day. This is a day to remember and honor all the saints in our lives who have gone before us. As I was prepping for my sermon this week, I came across this poem by Catherine Anne Sullivan that I wanted to share. Here’s to all the saints we have loved and all the ways we still love them and miss them.
-Pastor Julia

When the Saints Go Marching In
Catherine Anne Sullivan

What if it’s like a house party
and you wait on the dark walk for a time
gathering courage
watching through windows
saints moving in softly lit rooms

until the warmth of the light calls you forward
and you wait at the door
questioning if you should knock
but trying the knob
it opens

and you stand on the threshold
looking at the clothes and hair and hands
of the joyful crowd
people like water flowing
laughter like wind rushing
and you, wondering--

until a glimpse of someone you think you know
becomes the real thing as
your mother, brother, child, friend
walks toward you with purposeful steps
and pulls you in
and hands you a cup of something with fizz
and leads you to a circle of friendly smiles
that opens wide enough for you to take up space

but you keep scrunching your toes in your shoes
and looking over shoulders until
your mother, brother, child, friend
lays their hand on your arm and leans in
and whispers with love
“We’re so glad you’re here.”