Blessing of the Animals 2024
All God's critters and their caretakers are invited to gather for a special blessing on the front lawn at Our Saviours ,Sunday, October 6 at 1 pm.. If you cannot bring an animal bring a photo of your pet or an animal to receive a blessing.
St. Francis of Assisi is recognized on this Sunday. He was an Italian friar who took a vow of poverty and cared for the poor. He also believed nature – including its creatures – was the mirror of God. He preached that it is our duty to protect and enjoy nature as both the stewards of God’s creation and as creatures ourselves.
Many ELCA congregations celebrate the wonders of God’s creation and the legacy of St. Francis by holding pet-blessing services and activities for the community around this time of the year.
It is a time to remember how God’s creatures – of all sizes, shapes and species – bless our lives and are essential to the environment that sustains all living things, including humankind. We commit ourselves to caring for their wellbeing in the world whether they be service animals, pets, domesticated animals, wild animals, pets in shelters, bugs or creatures that fly, crawl, run or swim.
The service is well suited for families and also a good time for members to invite neighbors and friends who might also want their pets to receive a blessing.
With love of God’s creatures,
+ Pastor Susan