October 30, 2025
A Cloud of Witnesses
This upcoming Sunday, our church joins Christians around the world in observing All Saints’ Day—a day to remember and give thanks for all the faithful who have gone before us. In Hebrews 12, the writer paints a beautiful picture: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”
All Saints’ Day reminds us that we never run this race alone. We are part of something far bigger and older than ourselves. Every hymn we sing, every prayer we whisper, every act of love we offer is joined to the great symphony of faith that echoes through the ages.
When I think of the saints, I think not only of the famous names—Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Ávila, or Martin Luther King Jr.—but also of the quiet saints I have known personally. Barbara Popp, the 4th Sunday School teacher who faithfully taught me about the Bible. My grandmother who prayed for me daily. The church member from my congregation in Missouri who served behind the scenes with a humble heart. These are saints, too.
All Saints’ Day reminds us that we never run this race alone. We are part of something far bigger and older than ourselves.
All Saints’ Day gives us space to remember those who shaped our faith and to recommit ourselves to carrying their light forward. Their stories are now part of ours, and one day, our stories will be part of the same great cloud.
As we gather for worship, light candles, and name those who have entered eternal rest, we do so not in sorrow alone, but in hope. The saints remind us that death does not have the final word. Christ does.
We will read the names of the members of Ardmore Baptist who have passed into glory during the previous year. However, I know that many of you are also remembering loved ones, neighbors, and friends who have passed away. There will also be space in this service for you to speak their names in prayerful gratitude to God.
May we live as those who believe that truth—with gratitude for the saints who’ve gone before and courage to be saints for those who come after.
Rev. Tyler Tankersley