Unitarian Universalist Church in Meriden Worship Service - October 2, 2016

Worship Associate: Tracy Smith

Worship Participants: Youngsters of the congregation

Our Annual Blessing of the Animals celebrated in congregations worldwide is grounded in the dedication of a 13th c. Italian monk to the well-being of animals. We commonly link St. Francis of Assisi with the scene of a Christmas crèche—with the baby Jesus lying in the manger surrounded by attentive animal friends who were quite at home there. While Unitarian Universalists don’t acknowledge sainthood, why not loosen up a bit and honor this monk’s connection with non-human creatures by honoring and blessing our own animal companions? Thousands of churches celebrate the Festival of St. Francis on October 4. October 2 is close enough! Come bring your animal companions—live, photographed, stuffed teddy bears even—for this service in the Spiral Garden. Please bring your living pets leashed or in a carrier and under your control at all times! In case of rain, please bring a pillowcase or two or three for the seats in the Sanctuary!