Together we share this earth and from this we live in the web of life of which we are all a part.
We are grateful to the animals who have worked for us -- who have guarded or guided us. We are grateful to the animals who have given their lives that many may be nourished.Let us bless the animals.
……..(animal blessing ceremony takes place with people bringing forward their companion animals or pictures of them to be blessed)…………….
Animals are essential to our health and well-being.And did you know,…..
· At least 63% of dog owners admitted to kissing their dogs.
· Thirty-three percent of people with cat companions talk to their pets on the phone or through the answering machine.
The Mouse – Jane Rzepka
“This Sunday morning, as the prelude began, I was informed that a live baby mouse was in the wastebasket.In fact I was introduced, and this was one cute little mouse.
Remembering that ministers have graduate educations in a wide variety of areas, several members of the congregation were confident that I would know what the mouse should do next.And I did:It being 10:30, the little fella would get to stay right where he was and hear the sermon.
He did that, but by 11:30 those same members of the congregation were curious about what was next on the mouse itinerary.And again, I knew what to do:In my generosity, I would offer our student minister the opportunity to deal face to face with nature’s wonders.She had it solved in five minutes flat.A couple of children would take it home.Kids happy, congregation happy, minister happy.
They were my kids.We were not keeping the mouse.No way.
At this writing, Sunday at 2:00, we have not spent a penny more than $30 on a “mouse habitat,” food, and wood shavings.The pet store guy, mumbling something about bubonic plagues and such, sold us a “disease free” mouse.Chuck and I, in line for the “firm parenting award” are still looking for the original mouse, who escaped while we were at the pet store.
See?There’s no problem I can’t solve.
A special god exists, I think , who looks out for children who bring home pets – the same god who’s in charge of triumphant love, inevitable springs, mechanical objects that work right, and all happy events.That was the god on duty today.”
Anyone familiar with Dr. Doolittle – from books and movies?I use to dream of being Dr. Doolittle.I would pretend that my pets and I had conversations.And more than 95% of us DO talk to our animals, and feel that they answer back.If we could talk to the animals, or more importantly, listen, what would they say? Would the wolves or giant apes tell us of having to go far from their homes because we humans came so close that they couldn’t sleep at night for fear for their children?Would the elephants say they had had enough of being told what to do and threatened by creatures with a fraction of their strength?
Above all, I believe the animals would ask us to care for their home, which is also our home. For so many of them who lived immersed in its beauty and its waters, who soar across its sky, burrow in its earth and seek the comfort of its woods, fields, dens, caves and deserts depend upon us to care for the earth we all share.Perhaps the animals are speaking—with both their lives, their struggles, and with their deaths.Are we listening?
IF A DOG WERE YOUR MINISTER
You might learn stuff like this:
**When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
**When it's in your best interest - practice obedience.
**Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
**Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
**When you're happy, dance around and wiggle your entire body.
**No matter how often you're scolded, don't pout - run right back and make friends.
**Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
**Stop when you have had enough.
**Be loyal.
**Never pretend to be something you're not.
**When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
And, of course, our feline friends, if the minister, would have much to offer as well.
We can learn to be resourceful and try different ways of doing things. Like, drinking straight from the bath, bathroom sink, toilet bowl or kitchen sink.
We can learn while life is hard, there’s always as good nap waiting!Being lazy every now and again is wonderful!
And we are reminded by our cats that curiosity never killed anything, except maybe a few hours.
As one minister puts it, our animal companions are “Ministers in Fur.”
We are all animals -- a part of the animal kingdom and all have been blessed here this morning.Look intently, listen deeply, and love unconditionally.Blessed be.
WELCOME
Welcome all ye of two feet and four and six
Welcome all ye of smooth skin and fur, of feathers and scales
Welcome all ye who talk in words, bark, meow and chirp
Welcome all ye who were born in a gush of water from your mother’s womb
And ye who cracked out of an egg shell, emerged from a chrysalis, and started as a tadpole
Ours is a Welcoming Congregation, but did we ever imagine we’d be this welcoming???Welcome to all!
Today is both an intergenerational and interspecies service!
Call to Worship Good morning humans and animal friends alike!
These are the days that have been given to us;
let us rejoice and be glad in them.
These are the days of our lives;
let us live them well in love and service.
These are the days of mystery and wonder;
let us cherish and celebrate them in gratitude together.
These are the days that have been given to us;
let us make of them stories worth telling to those who come after us.
-William R. Murry
Benediction:“If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature—even a caterpillar—I would never have to prepare a sermon,” wrote Christian mystic, Meister Eckhart. “So full of God is every creature”.
Prayer by Albert Schweitzer
Hear our humble prayer, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost, or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death.We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.Make us, ourselves to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
