All Saints’ Day is here once again and I am reflecting on people who are dear to me who have returned home to be with God. 

Chief in my vision of the realm of the saints are my beloved grandparents, who did so much to shape the best of who I am. Today, I am also having “precious memories” of some women who have inspired me and taught me something of what it means to live and leave a legacy of goodness and mercy behind. Among my saints are the Rev. Dr. Annie Ruth Powell who was a friend, preacher, scholar and Seminary Pastor at Union Theological Seminary. She knew how to live completely open to God’s transformation, while embodying and proclaiming the Good News. I am also remembering Dr. Jan Testa, another scholar and professor. Besides teaching Romance Languages and raising Liz and Alicia, Jan gave herself to pushing back the boundaries of her faith to make sure that there was room for everyone -- particularly immigrants and the poor. Both these women were wonderful mentors and friends.

Two other women who became saints recently have inspired me:  the Rev. Dr. Letty Russell (1929-2007).  I attended Letty’s funeral on July 28. Letty was a theologian, preacher, pastor and so much more. In 1958, she was one of the first Presbyterian women to be ordained and she pastored the Church of the Ascension in East Harlem for a decade. She received her doctorate at Union and served on the faculty of Yale Divinity School. Letty believed in justice, liberation, hospitality and partnership. She encouraged so many women from all over the world to use their voices. Her funeral looked like a meeting of the women’s division on the United Nations (if only such a thing existed). Letty often hosted dinners that she called Shalom Meals. These were potluck meals at round tables where people from all over the world fellowshipped together. Letty believed that we can get closer to God’s vision through human “interrelationship” invested in justice. Letty and Renee had a few things in common.

Along with being a saint, Renee English (1954-2007) has become a hero to me. Renee was a relatively quiet member of Marble Church. I knew her mostly from after-church greetings and because she served on the GIFTS Leadership Team a few years ago. In her professional life, she was a plumber and a member of Local 100 of the Transit Workers Union.  (You know, the people who get you where you need to go in New York City.) When she died, she had become one of the key leaders in the union as Chair of Structure. She was very concerned about worker safety and wellness and did all that she could to make sure that management was similarly focused. The TWU is an activist union and Renee was at the head of the class. She opened many doors for women in the trades here and in Philadelphia. We celebrated her life in Marble's sanctuary with many church members and hundreds of members of TWU. Renee’s courage and encouragement touched all of our lives.

God, we give you praise and glory for all your saints,
Who have followed the way of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we learn from their example and rejoice in your call to bring your "kin-dom" to all.