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“Animals have a Special Place in our Hearts”
I
bet you didn't know that our Book of Worship has a service for the
Blessing of the Animals: “Blessed are you, O Lord of the
Universe; for the sake of our comfort you give us domestic animals as
companions. May God, who created the animals of this earth,
continue to protect and sustain us all, now and forever.
Amen.” St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and prayers are
offered to him for protection of our animal friends.
This year, Central UMC will be participating in Staunton's Pets in the Park event, September 17 from 9-2 at Gypsy Hill Park. I invite everyone in the congregation to provide me with a picture of their pet or pets, so we can post them on a display in our booth at the park. We will also provide information about our church and offer a blessing for any pet whose owner requests it.
Animals have a special place in our hearts and in God's creation. The fact that God saved the animals in the ark shows that God values them. It's also significant that in the word-pictures of the coming Kingdom of God, the animals are mentioned as living at peace with one another:
I grew up with cats and dogs, birds, goldfish and turtles, chickens, geese, and rabbits-and horses. We currently have two cats, a dog, some goldfish and a horse. I can't imagine living without some kind of animal friend, but I know not everyone feels as I do. Nevertheless, God has given us the responsibility of caring for animals, whether they are pets or in the wild. A recent article in National Geographic highlighted the needs of baby elephants, orphaned by poachers. We're concerned about the future of polar bears as the ice pack recedes. The SPCA works locally to assure that domestic animals are protected from cruelty and neglect. Our pets are great companions, unconditionally loving, forgiving and eager to please (dogs especially!).
Please share a picture of your pet(s) with me, and join us in the park on September 17 for a blessing of the animals.
In Christ,
This year, Central UMC will be participating in Staunton's Pets in the Park event, September 17 from 9-2 at Gypsy Hill Park. I invite everyone in the congregation to provide me with a picture of their pet or pets, so we can post them on a display in our booth at the park. We will also provide information about our church and offer a blessing for any pet whose owner requests it.
Animals have a special place in our hearts and in God's creation. The fact that God saved the animals in the ark shows that God values them. It's also significant that in the word-pictures of the coming Kingdom of God, the animals are mentioned as living at peace with one another:
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.
(Isaiah 11:6-7)
I grew up with cats and dogs, birds, goldfish and turtles, chickens, geese, and rabbits-and horses. We currently have two cats, a dog, some goldfish and a horse. I can't imagine living without some kind of animal friend, but I know not everyone feels as I do. Nevertheless, God has given us the responsibility of caring for animals, whether they are pets or in the wild. A recent article in National Geographic highlighted the needs of baby elephants, orphaned by poachers. We're concerned about the future of polar bears as the ice pack recedes. The SPCA works locally to assure that domestic animals are protected from cruelty and neglect. Our pets are great companions, unconditionally loving, forgiving and eager to please (dogs especially!).
Please share a picture of your pet(s) with me, and join us in the park on September 17 for a blessing of the animals.
In Christ,
Pastor Stephanie