10-06-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 6, 2023
Tomorrow is a big day around Cypress Creek Christian Church. I believe it was nine years ago when I made a request for some folks who might help with a crazy idea that was brewing in my head. I wanted to do a Blessing of the Animals, and two of the very first people to step forward were Paul and Mary Hupman. They and others jumped in with both feet, and since then, others have come alongside in the planning and implementing of this event. I give thanks to Mariah, along with Matthew and Joanna Anderson, who have done a lot of work behind the scenes to make this year’s event wonderful. There is also a long list of other volunteers who will be there tomorrow, welcoming and engaging all of our community friends who will bring an animal (or stuffed animal) for blessing, or maybe just drive by and want to meet some of the animals at the petting zoo. We do this event in early October, around the time when the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated. Of course, St. Francis lived a life of awe and respect for all creation, and as the stories of his life tell us, he loved the animals. Tomorrow, my hope is that we communicate a belief that all living things are precious in the sight of God and that for many people, their four-legged creature (maybe with no legs and slithers) is a true member of the family. We give thanks for the unconditional love often displayed by animals, along with the real gift of support and encouragement that many people feel. We do not have any living pets in the Frogge home because of serious allergies, but this remains one of the more exciting days for us. I hope to see all of you there, even if you simply come to say to a community person, “Welcome to Cypress Creek Christian Church. We’re glad you are here!”

For all the amazing ways love and beauty enter our lives, O God, we are thankful. We ask your blessing upon this special event tomorrow, and may all who participate come to a new appreciation of this magnificent world we live in, including all the creatures of this planet. Amen.