OSLC is hosting a Blessing of the Animals as we wrap of Season of Creation, commemorating St. Francis of Assisi. We invite you to this abbreviated service (because animals!). And we invite you to bring your animal companions. If your animal companion is too big, too aggressive, too skiddish, or too much for you to handle, you are invited to bring a picture of your pet. You (or your kids) are welcome to bring a stuffed animal companion for a blessing as well. Join with all of God's creatures in praise and worship!

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The service will be outside in our parking lot. Please bring a chair, if you'd like to sit during the service.

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*Pets MUST be leashed or contained in a carrier at all times. It is your responsibility to have control over your pet.
*Distancing between households is recommended
*Masks are NOT required when seated and distanced [Please put them on when the Pastor comes around for the blessing of your animals!]
*Masks are required at all times indoors

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Why commemorate the Festival of St. Francis of Assisi during Season of Creation?

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Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. In a public confrontation with his father, he renounced his wealth and future inheritance and devoted himself to serving the poor. Francis described this act as being “wedded to Lady Poverty.” Under his leadership the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) was formed, and they took literally Jesus’ words to his disciples that they should take nothing on their journey and receive no payment for their work. Their task in preaching was to “use words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gladness and gratitude for all of God’s creation. This commemoration has been a traditional time to bless pets and animals, creatures Francis called his brothers and sisters.