Happy Halloween! I thought you would enjoy this picture of my cat Zeke. He is the stereotypical black "Halloween" cat. As you can tell, he is none to thrilled with the pumpkin that has taken up residence on his perch!

As Maggie explained yesterday during the Children's Time, we can have fun on Halloween, but it doesn't have to be a spooky holiday. Halloween can be an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on before us. In Latin culture many people observe La Dia de Muerta ~ the Day of the Dead ~ by visiting the graves of loved ones.

November 1st is the Christian observance of All Saint's Day. On All Saint's Day we light candles for church members and loved ones who have passed away in the past year. (We will observe All Saint's on Sunday, November 6th.) On All Saint's Day we recall the great cloud of witnesses who surround us. Our United Methodist Book of Worship offers this prayer for All Saint's Day:

We bless your Holy Name, O God,
for all your servants who, having finished their course,
now rest from their labors.
Give us grace to follow the example
of their steadfastness and faithfulness,
to your honor and glory;
through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

If you are dressing up or Trick-or-Treating this year be safe and have fun!