As you read this your church family will be preparing to observe and celebrate All Saints' Sunday. Traditionally this is not a Protestant festival, but in the last few years our churches have used All Saints' to remember their parishioners who have passed on during the year, and to celebrate their lives. The impact these folk have made on the fabric of the church is incalculable. I would like to remember them here.

William Ira Garrett, that fellow they called duck who graced us with the warm gentle smile and the fun in his step. Clyde Bass who was always there on Sundays, always complimentary of his preacher no matter. Hildred Jordan who showed us how to live and how to die. Em Shield who brought music into this church over a period of years that touched thousands of hearts and still does. Audrey Graves together with her Robert who were ever faithful here and loved us so much and so well. Bob Burgess so devoted to his sea adventures, of ships, and history, and carving and a lover of the sea. There was Natalie Spears whom we saw up and down our halls smiling and encouraging and faithful. Edgar Charlton from the railroad with his wry humor and his love for God. Joyce Brewer would always dedicate the front door wreaths at Christmas time in memory of loved ones, and Shirley Link, with that indomitable smile and stories of people, people, people. Margaret Gillis, remembered as a leader among our women, but often as a servant of Christ first. Bonnie Carmine with undying loyalty in her heart to Christ and her church. We think of Dale, and his Rosaleigh Dalessandro who were among us in their quiet and faithful love of their church. Eddie Evans loved to have the preacher tell him, "Just where have you been?!!!" Especially when he couldn't make church for a few weeks. Phil Smith with his music, love of people and gentle kindness to all. Nan Fuller is remembered for her beauty and grace inside and out. Ranny Rodgers who kept his minister pumped with wonderful words of encouragement. Carl Filer at work around the church fixing things with the "Over-the-Hill Gang." Carl showed us how to serve others and find joy in all. There was Gus Waters, who got his name from "gloomy Gus" but he wasn't. He was cute and funny, especially when his dear wife of 67 years, Ginny, was around. And the others, Shields Fletcher, Thelma Vann, Alice Monk, Claude Sykes and others like them without whom the looks and work of the church just couldn't have been done so well. We loved them all and thank them. Today they are with our heavenly Father. Let's remember and give thanks in this season of All Saints' and Thanksgiving.

John T. LeGault Jr.