Saturday, September 27, 2003
I did a brief Internet search for "animal sermons" tonight, and wanted to list a few that I thought were worthwhile to read. But I stopped searching when I discovered the last one. If you have time to read only one, the last one should be the first on your "to do" list:
Stewards of God's Creation, by the Rev. Dr. Bob Rowlands (Newfoundland, CA)
St Francis Celebration of Animals, sermon given by the Revd Sarah Park, Deacon Assistant (NZ)
Rest for our soul, by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler
The Peaceable Kingdom, by the Rev. Susan Durber
"Go ask the animals", found on a Presbyterian church's website
God calls us to defend creation, by the Rev. John D. Paarlberg
First Sunday in Lent, by the Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld --
Tonight's WINNER of the little known [just invented] but highly coveted "Episcoveg" Award of Excellence -- by a single vote, no less!
A few people found my site while doing searches for "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals". Many Google.com pages will bring up more sermons amid other references.
Others found it by doing a search for "Blessing of the Animals".
You might find some interesting links either place.
Again, the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals encourages churches to hold Animal Welfare Services (more comprehensive than "pet blessings") during the Octave of the Feast of St. Francis. And if not, they are encouraged to include animals in the Prayers of the "People" next Sunday. I would like to highlight an article that was in an English paper a year ago.
for the cause of those appointed to die."
-- Proverbs 31:8 [NKJV variation]
