Message here from the good Rev. Sayer:
Abernethy United Methodist Church’s annual Blessing of the Animals service is coming up on Sunday afternoon, October 4, at 3:00 PM. We will offer thanks to God for the beauty and integrity of all Creation. We will ask God to bless each creature present, and to bless us all as we seek to live in peaceful balance upon our shared planet.
If this sounds potentially long-winded, let me assure you that the service will be brief and simple – it turns out that non-human worshippers have even less patience for long sermons than people do.
Critters of all kinds, shapes, colors, and sizes – two-leggeds, four-leggeds, and no-leggeds – are welcome. For the wellbeing of all, human and non-human alike, please bring your pet on a leash, in a carrier, or otherwise under your control.
Abernethy United Methodist Church is located at 1418 Patton Avenue in West Asheville. We’re the church with the Pumpkin Patch. If you need directions or information, you can reach Rev. Tony Sayer at the church 254-2612 or by cellphone 712-8491.
October 4 is the traditional “feast day” of Saint Francis of Assisi. Many churches try to hold their Blessing of the Animals services on or near this date. Having fallen in love with God, as Mirabai Starr puts it, Francis came to recognize all living things as his brothers and sisters. Birds, fishes, flowers, reptiles, wolves, the sun, moon, and shining stars – everything in nature filled his heart with joy and thanksgiving.
We will try to gather in this same spirit of deep faith and humble joy. Join us.
1 Comment
Sounds like someone has been watching "The Vicar of Dibley".