September, 2026

REMEMBERING

Yes, I know that summer is not officially over, but if you are like me, it sure seems to be on the downward slide. Summer seems to run downhill after July 4th and picks up speed in August as schools start to open.

Many of you will say it is far too early for me to mention something that is not until November, but as a former Boy Scout I want you to be prepared, so here it is: All Saints Day. All Saints Day is an old church observance, dating back to the year 837 when Roman Catholics began honoring all saints, known and unknown, on the first day of November.

This year is a special one, for November 1 falls on a Sunday. As part of our worship, we will be remembering the saints of our church, our brothers and sisters in Christ who have passed since last year’s observance. You will find a list of our members who have passed following this article. Please look it over and make sure no one has been missed. In addition, if you would like a friend or family member included, please call the church office and let Tanya know. As part of our November 1, 11:00 service, we are inviting family and friends to bring a picture or a memory object for each person who will be remembered. Don’t fret, you have plenty of time to prepare. If you have questions, just call the church office.

Continuing with the theme of remembrance, I need your help with another list. Thanks to the generosity of a member of our church, a special marker will be placed on the wall in our sanctuary narthex to remember members of Olive Branch Christian Church who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The plaque will be titled, “Lest We Forget,” and above the names will be this inscription: “To the glory of God and in loving memory of service members from our Olive Branch Christian Church family who made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of war.” If you know of a member of Olive Branch who made such a sacrifice, either killed in active service or died later because of such service, please call the church office.

The writer and author Rick Bragg, upon watching the New Orleans’ tradition of visiting the graves of relatives on all Saints Day, concluded that “no matter what your faith, you really do live on and on, as long as someone, anyone, is willing to come see you.” Through these two observances, we will remember our loved ones who have passed, ‘lest we forget.’

Peace ~ Pastor Richard
September, 2026