A couple of weeks ago we launched into our series on Creation. We began with Planting Sunday: Good Beginnings, looking at the Creation story from Genesis. We reminded ourselves that when God was creating in the beginning, God said that which God had created was good.
Last week was Sky Sunday. We celebrated that God gave us the heavenly bodies … the sun, the moon and the stars … to provide light and to remind us to look up in awe and in worship. We remembered how God gave humanity dominion over the earth, not to exploit nature, but to respect, care for, and be good stewards of creation. Today, we turn to Harvest; in particular, looking at cultivation and fruits. It’s amazing how many references to trees there are in the Bible! Next Sunday, our series concludes with Blessing All Creatures: Bring It. Since this is the Sunday immediately preceding the Feast of St. Francis (on October 4), plans are being made to hold pet blessings at our churches. St. Francis, a Catholic friar, deacon, and preacher who started the Franciscan orders, is remembered as the patron saint of animals and the natural environment. He is often depicted with animals around him, talking to a small bird that is resting on his hand. I can say more in person about animal blessings, but at this writing the times aren’t yet set. Stay tuned for details about blessings at Milligan and Fairmont which will likely be on Wednesday, October 3. I am also scheduled to offer blessings at York’s Adopt-A-Pet on Saturday, October 6, 10 AM to noon, if this better suits your schedule. Holy and most gracious God, Creator of All Things, and Giver of All Good Gifts, thank you for your good gifts of creation. The heavenly bodies. The birds of the air. The fish of the sea. The vegetation and trees. The animals and other creatures, including people. The land and water. The mountains and valleys. The earth and the cosmos. May we be good caretakers of your good creation. Amen. Grace and peace … --Pastor Pat
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Pastor
|