A postcard for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 10/09/22.
Pictured: Misha was our smallest visitor at our Pet Blessing on 10/09/22.
I know Easter or Christmas should be my favorite day at church, but I must confess the Pet Blessing tops my list.
St. Francis of Assisi lived a life marked by joy and gratitude, especially for God’s creation, so we remember him by bringing our pets to church. I love my dogs and cat. And I love it when people come to church with excitement and joy to share with the community a beloved pet that is part of their lives. Some of our churchly seriousness falls away as we navigate barks, meows, and tangled leashes. And generally (though not always), our pets are excited to be brought with us out into the world to share our lives in a different way.
St. Francis and pet blessings remind us that we can come to church joy-filled, excited, and grateful. And that is why it is my favorite day at church!
A sermon for the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Heflin, Alabama, on the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 10/09/22:
Principal text: Luke 17:11-19
Coming next
- October 16 – Messiah, Heflin — 19th Sunday after Pentecost
- October 23 – Off
- October 30 – St. Michael’s, Faunsdale — 21st Sunday after Pentecost
- November 6 – St. Barnabas — All Saints
Notoriously Episcopalian 