Maybe we don’t mention enough in church what a blessing our animals are to us. Many of us have dogs, cats, or other types of animals, and these furry friends become important parts of our lives. I know my cat, Max, has been a constant companion for me for 13 years now. He was another heartbeat in my home during my single years. His purr on my lap or his meow when I come in is a unique blessing to me. I know it’s true for many of you, too, that your animals are a gift in your lives and it’s time we celebrate those special animals!
Animals large and small (and their humans!) are invited to come together on the Hazelwood Lawn on Saturday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. for a Blessing of the Animals Service. This date coincides with the feast day for St. Francis, who was a friend to animals and was even reported to preach a sermon to birds. There will be a brief worship service celebrating our animals, and a time when you’ll be welcomed to have your animal receive a small blessing. You’ll need to have your animal leashed or in a carrier for the event (it might be pandemonium without that!). We’ll even have some water bowls out for dogs.
Even if you don’t have a pet, please come! This should be a day of joy and fun as we celebrate God’s gift of animals to us.
~ Rev. Jason Jones
