All Saints Stories

READ: As Jesus traveled around Galilee with his friends teaching about the kingdom of God, many people followed him. One day after spending the night on a mountain in prayer, he came back down the mountain and began to preach. He shared what many people say is the greatest sermon ever preached. Jesus began by telling them that God’s kingdom was going to be filled with all kinds of people blessed by God. He gave some examples of people blessed by God, and people were surprised. We tend to think of people being blessed when things are going well, when they have what they need, when they have plenty of good things. Jesus turned that idea upside down to show us a better way of living together.
​We call this part of the sermon, the Beatitudes. Jesus said, "Blessed, or happy, are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are the hungry, they will have what they need. Just like the birds of the air find the food they need. Happy are those who weep, for soon they will laugh with joy." (Luke 6:20-31)
WONDER: I wonder what it would be like to hear Jesus teaching?
I wonder what it’s like to be blessed by God?
I wonder what is the hardest part of following Jesus?
I wonder what is the best part of following Jesus?
I wonder what the most important part of this story is?
PRAY: Loving God, thank you for giving us Jesus, who shows us how to live with love and joy. Amen.
EXTEND

• Today we celebrate All Saints/All Souls Day, a time when we remember people who have died, especially those who showed God’s love to us. In worship we light candles to remember loved ones who have died, and we include them in our prayers. Saints can be famous ones like Saint Patrick or Saint Francis, or they can be ordinary folks who let the light of God shine through their lives. Using a big piece of paper create a centerpiece for your table at home. With markers, crayons, or paint, write the names of the saints you know, who are special for you. When you share a meal together, share a story or a memory of someone on your centerpiece. 
  
• Read Holding On by Sophia N. Lee and illustrated by Isabel Roxas. The book tells the story of Lola and her granddaughter. There was always music and singing in Lola’s house. When Lola’s memory begins to fade, her granddaughter uses the music she’s learned from Lola to keep their connections strong.