Blessing of the Animals

Dear Congregation,

I pray that all is well with you! I know that while we are grateful that Hurricanes Helena and Milton passed us by, we are saddened by the devastation they have caused elsewhere in Florida and beyond. There is a link is this eblast where you may donate to relief efforts.

This Sunday in worship there will be a Blessing of the Animals in recognition of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi which was October 4th. Francis saw animals as his brothers and sisters and prayerd that God would work though him to help them. Do you know that over 120 species of animals are mentioned in the Bible? We know that animals are still in need of help today as shelters are full to overflowing.

You are invited to bring your pets to worship where they will receive a blessing and a nice Certificate of Blessing to take home. If you are unable to bring your animal, you’re welcome to bring a picture which will be blessed. We’ll also remember the animals in our past lives who have shared their love with us as family members.

My daughter Jory was blessed with a new puppy family member three months ago. He is a tiny French Bulldog who I was permitted to name Beau, because he is so handsome. (After all he is my granddog!)

Beau, the runt of a litter of four, was born with several medical problems—a cleft palate, which requires hand feeding until surgery in January, a hernia, and hydrocephalus. He is also very small,weighing just over four pounds. In spite of his physical problems, his spirit is strong. He has been surrounded by love and Jory’s excellent care since his birth. He runs and plays, barks, and loves nothing more than being held and cuddled.

When I hold Beau, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that God saw fit to create so many diverse animals and call them good. I hope that you have been blessed in your life to share your love with animals and to have received that love back in return.

I look forward to seeing you and your animals in worship on Sunday!

In Christ’s love for all creatures great and small.

Pastor Candy