Remembering Our Ancestors
Harvest Home at RavenOak
Today is All Hallows and Will and I are observing it by creating a meal in honor of loved ones who have passed on to the greater life of eternity. Our dinner will include a mushroom soup in honor of Will’s Dad, Walter, and his Ukranian heritage; shrimp scampi for Will’s Mom, Rita, and her Italian family; broccoli for my son, Tom; and poached pears for my mom, Syble.
We will post these recipes along with photos of our ancestors later today. In the meantime, here is a short service of remembrance for use at the beginning of your own All Hallows, All Saints, or All Souls feasts. Because we are Christian, the language of this rite is Trinitarian, but please feel free to adjust or edit this text to fit your own spiritual path or tradition. ~ Glyn
Remembrance
A Remembrance Of Ancestors on All Hallows Eve
The table is decorated for the harvest, with photographs of departed family members and candles.
The candles are lighted.
V. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, (Alleluia)
R. Thy name, O, Jesus, be forever blest. (Alleluia)
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Gospel of Luke 6:20-31
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to
(Here the names of the ancestors are read)
and all the departed the blessings of eternity and the awareness of our continuing love for them as we await the day when we are reunited in your presence.
V. O blest communion, fellowship divine! (Alleluia)
R. All are one in Thee, for all are Thine. (Alleluia)
Almighty God, who by your Holy Spirit has made us one with your Saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
V. Blessed are you, our God, creator of the universe;
R. You give us food to sustain our lives, and make our hearts glad.
V. May the poor be always welcome at our table;
R. And may the sick dance with angels.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore.
And with our absent loved ones. Amen.
Pictures of Departed Loved Ones Grace Our Ancestors Table
All Good Gifts 
Thank you, Syble! And many blessings to you. Love Glyn and Will
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Just lovely! Merry All Hallows’ Eve to you and Will.
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