Weekly Greeting - November 3rd, 2023
Dear Bethlehem Family,
This Saturday (November 4) we are invited to join our brothers and sisters at Hillsboro United Methodist Church (in Leiper’s Fork) for a Blessing of the Animals service at 10:00.
It has been said that the first “Blessing of the Animals” service dates back 800 years to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. (1181 - 1226)
Saint Francis first blessed animals early in his ministry sometime between 1210 and 1215. In one story tracing its origins, he is described as wandering around the great outdoors one warm afternoon, full of self-doubt, when he noticed a flock of birds in his path. He immediately felt the need to talk to them as though they were his equals and then preach to them about God’s glories and the reasons why human beings and animals should be grateful for those blessings.
A few years later, Francis was responsible for the first outdoor Christmas Nativity scene featuring live animals. It seems fitting that we also honor the memory of St. Francis as we plan any Blessing of the Animals service.
Everyone and all animals are invited to join us this Saturday. Please be sure your pets are safe and secured on leashes or in crates. If you are concerned about how your pet might interact with others, you can bring a photo to bless.
I look forward to seeing you as we join with our sister congregation and worship God together for the blessing of our pets.
Blessings,
Craig
This Sunday is All Saints’ Sunday and Laity Sunday at Bethlehem. We will honor the memory of those members of the church who have died and give God thanks for them. Rebecca Little will be speaking at both services and we will celebrate communion together.