Clergy love to knit. Anytime, anyplace, particularly when they come together to to learn something. Whenever I’ve attended a clergy conference, retreat, workshop, delegation, convention, you name it – there are clusters of collars, knitting.

I have my theories on why this is, how about you? Maybe you are a knitter? Your observations, maybe even your knitting practice, might prompt a relatable opening that weaves its way back (too much?) to the opening collect for All Saints’ Day, reminding us of the good news that we are all knit together.

Six months after my sister died, I preached on All Saints’, reminding myself and the congregation that we are forever connected with those who have gone before. There was a powerful silence when I showed the delicate shawl made of fine camel hair yarn that she had knit me. Show and tell, done thoughtfully, and sparingly, is powerful.

Someone in your pews needs to be reminded of an experience, a person stitched into their heart. And you, my friend, have a trove of your own yarns (I know, don’t beat a dead horse!) to share along this thread. All of us know a saint or two, personally.

But wait! There is also Ephesians and Paul’s loving praise of this community he adores. Let me tell you something about saints. Saints shine light on others, give thanks for another’s gifts and talents. We live in a world that is ego driven and scarcity minded. We afraid that if we share, we might not get the credit as if there isn’t enough to go around. The truth is, nothing is lost when thanks, praise and encouragement is shared. Build each other up in love, Paul says over and over. That’s how good news multiplies.

I remember when it dawned on me that blessings were just better when the priest (i.e. me) wasn’t the sole arbiter of bestowal. When everyone linked hands, touched shoulders, or shared in saying the words of going forth, or sending out. Early on, I thought it was so important to follow the rubrics. Now I see that we make the rubrics work when we link them with a theology of abundance - the abundance of light and grace in our midst and our power to share it.

So, do that. Who has opened the eyes of your heart? Who has opened the eyes of your faith community? Name it, give thanks for people and their contributions. You have heard of their faith! You have seen them make time for meetings and committees on top of all their other commitments. Heck, if it wasn’t for them - you wouldn’t have a job! Ok, that’s a bit much, we need each other, but you get my point.

If you have a baptism, thank the family for being there. For choosing to celebrate the life they have brought into the world with the life your community brings into the world. Yes, thank them even if you think you’ll never see them again! God’s at work so you’ve been knit together regardless. And you are knitting people together every day in so many ways. Give thanks for the saints in your midst. We need to prompt our people to shine their light, open the eyes of their heart and give joyful thanks. This week I give thanks for you and the time you share with me.