Today Katrina & Sofia members of Good Shepherd shared their Day of the Dead traditions with the congregation. Katrina: I had the privilege of living and teaching in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for three years. Half of our family still lives in Mexico. My daughter Sofia’s father is Mexican. We have adopted many traditions from Mexico including the beautiful celebration of Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos.

Many Hispanic people in the US, Mexico and parts of Latin America celebrate Day of the Dead which combines traditions from All Saints and All Souls day, Catholicism and Aztec traditions. It is a happy holiday not a sad occasion because it is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed away.

An important part of the Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos celebration is building an altar or ofrenda to celebrate your loved ones who have passed away. Every ofrenda includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst. Papel picado, or traditional paper banners, represent the wind. Earth is represented by food, especially bread. Candles represent fire and are often left in the form of a cross to represent the cardinal directions, so the spirits can find their way.

First, people set up a candlelit altar in their homes so spirits can find their way back to their relatives. The altar also offers some of the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased—just in case they get hungry or thirsty. Pan de Muerto, or bread of the dead is also put on the ofrenda as an offering to the spirits of the dead.

Items that were important to the ancestors when they were alive, such as a favorite book or musical instrument, are placed on the altar. Sugar skulls represent those who have passed away. For people in the state of Michoacán and the State of Mexico, monarchs hold a special place in their traditions. Monarch butterflies also represent the souls of their ancestors returning to visit them for Día de Muertos. We also place photos of our loved ones on the ofrenda. Marigolds which often linked to the powerful strength of the sun and represent power, strength, and light that lives inside of a person are also placed on the ofrenda.
Katrina and Sofia Widholm

Puzzle Race! November 15, 2025, at 11:15 AM. Sign up as an individual or a team at church this Sunday or next. Try out or show off your jigsaw skills as we race to complete fun 500-piece puzzles. There will be easier puzzles for younger participants and all puzzles will be donated following the event. Come, make friends, bring friends, have fun with your family or with other puzzle-doers. All are welcome!

Today is All Saints Day. Tag (or call/text) someone who's always been kind to you. Let them know how much it meant and how they've been a "saint" showing God's love in your life.

A big THANK YOU! Goes out to everyone who helped unload and sell pumpkins this year. A special thank you goes to Bob and Eric who organized our sales. Our sales exceed last years! All money will go to support our youth groups! Happy Halloween! #champaignurbana #SavoyIL #elca

What's one small act of generosity that struck a chord with you this week?

Baked Potato Bar Alert!
We’re serving up spuds at St. Andrew’s Dinner – Nov 2nd and need your favorite toppings! Think butter, cheese, taco meat, broccoli, scallions, sour cream, you name it!
Drop off at St. Andrew’s: Sunday 5:15–5:45 PM, Or leave it at GSLC by 4:00 PM and Agatha will deliver!
Questions? Call/text 217-721-3666
Let’s make it a tater-tastic night!
#champaignurbana #savoyillinois #elca

This Sunday, October 29, join us to celebrate All Saints! Join around the table for a foretaste of the feast to come in God's heavenly realm, light candles to honor and remember those who have nurtured our faith and those who have died in the faith, and sing praise to God for God's loving promises. Worship begins at 9 AM and will also be live-streamed on our website and YouTube channel. All are welcome - all the time! #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois

A good time was had by all at our annual Pet Blessing! #champaignurbana #SavoyIL #elca