October 2007, Vol 2 Issue 10

Blessing of the Animals and More...

This year our annual Blessing of the Animals will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the 10 a.m. service. Before the actual blessing, however, we have a special presentation in Gammell Hall from St. Francis of Assisi. He will be coming all the way from Italy in the 13th Century to join us and tell us about his life and ministry. We invite you and your pets to join us at 9:00 a.m. for this special presentation, which is part of our Celebration Sunday for October.

If, for some reason, you are unable to bring your actual pet to church that day-he or she may be out of town or studying for finals-feel free to bring a photograph or drawing of your pet. Please bring all your pets on a leash or in a bowl-fish don't do well with leashes-and remember it is O. K. to take them outside during the service if they begin to feel scared. If you would prefer, you may bring them in cages, for their protection. We will also have pony rides for children in the parking lot after the 10 a.m. service as well as a warren of bunnies from the Hug-A-Bunny play center.

We are intentional about having our pets in the church with us on this day because they are in fact members of our families. Having them there with us helps us remember that God loves them, too. God wants us to take care of them and love them, as well. Remember to come at 9:00 a.m. for food and fun, and at 10:00 a.m. for the blessing.

For those families who would like to have their pet blessed, but will be unable to attend a blessing, below is one that can be done at home, by any member of the family. It is best to gather as many members of the family together as possible
and prayer together:

"Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen."

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