Greetings! I pray that things are well with you and yours.

Dear Congregation,
Greetings! I pray that things are well with you and yours.
In worship this Sunday we will celebrate the Blessing of the Animals. This service is typically held by many churches on or around October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. He was the friar designated by the Roman Catholic Church as the patron saint of animals and the environment. You are invited to bring your pets along with you to receive a blessing. You may also bring a picture in their place if they wouldn’t be comfortable in worship.
Animals are mentioned many times in the Bible. A few quotes are:
Job 12:7-10 But ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky and they will tell you; or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is every living creature and the breath of all humankind.
Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, nor overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion, and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
With what amazing diversity has God created animals and how we love them! Our pets are truly members of our family and are a blessing to us with the love and joy they give us!
I’ve shared a picture of my cat Domino with you. I brought him home from a Humane Society Shelter five years ago. I was told that he had been abandoned at a local Pet Smart store. He has many quirks, but at the end of each day, when he curls up on my lap as I sit in my recliner reading or watching television, his contented purring is a balm to my soul. I thank God for Domino’s love and love him back!
I hope to see you and your pets on Sunday.
Domino’s Best Practices for
Good “Hoomans”
  1. All animals are reflections of God’s great imagination. Think of them in Godly terms.
  2. Become informed about animal rights and how to help.
  3. Spay or neuter your pet.
  4. Adopt a pet.
  5. Foster a pet waiting for a home.
  6. Pray for your pets and all God’s creatures.
  7. Think green and don’t pollute animal’s homes. Pick up trash at the beach, park or your neighborhood.
  8. Speak out against animal injustice.
  9. Donate food to local food banks and animal shelters.
  10. Read food labels. Buy cage free products and if you eat meat buy certified humane.
May God bless us all as we work together to plan for the future of the
ministry of the church!
In Christ’s love.
Pastor Candy
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