For centuries, people of faith have taken time on the Feast of St. Francis to bless the animals. Following his example, that each creature has an important and God-given role in creation, we lift them up to God’s care and offer a word of thanksgiving for their presence. Again, this year, you are welcome to bring your pet, in whatever suit of fur, scales, hide, or shape they come in to worship for a time of praise, thanksgiving, and blessing.
This year, like last, we will begin in the sanctuary at 10:00. Our “regular” worship will conclude at 10:45 so that we can move out onto the patio for the blessing portion at 11:00. As the congregation at First Lutheran, we want to bring our festivities outside where our neighbors can more easily join us. We must recognize that many people are not comfortable in our worship, or in any worship, but many pet owners would greatly enjoy having their pets blessed. So rather than forcing them in, we’ll go out. We will also have our fellowship time ready to go, so it will appear to be a party, with songs and conversation going on as our neighbors arrive. In other words, be your friendly selves, and we’ll have a grand time together on the patio.
Bring a friend - this is the best worship of the year to invite a neighbor or friend to bring a pet, or simply come and watch. The blessing will be at 11:00 on the patio.
