Welcome

We are glad you have come to Holy Cross Lutheran Church this evening to give God thanks for the gift of the companionship and service of our fellow creatures, to renew your commitment to care for them, and to ask God to bless our animals to his glory.

Around the world, Christians gather in early October with their pets and other animals to celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). He is honored as the patron saint of animals and loved for writing the hymn, All Creatures of Our God and King.

Following this service, you and your animals are invited to share a time of fellowship and refreshments.

We extend a special welcome to the pets and volunteers from the Beatrice Humane Society. Thank you for remembering the work of this organization with your donations. You can find out more by visiting www.beatricehumanesociety.com.

Invocation

P: In the name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

Prayer

P: Gracious Father, you have filled the air and land and water with creatures of every shape and size. Inspire us to rejoice in this abundance, to care for the beasts you have placed under our protection, and to serve you as faithful stewards of your wonderful world; through Jesus Christ, your Son and Lord of all creation.
C: Amen.

Readings

Genesis 1:24-31
Psalm 104:10-24
Matthew 6:25-33

Meditation

All Creatures Lift Their Voices

Prayer

P: Let us pray. Blessed are you…,
C: …O Lord our God, maker of all living creatures. By your Word, you called into being the fish of the sea, the birds in the air, and the animals on the land. You led St. Francis, by your Spirit, to embrace all creatures as his brothers and sisters. We ask you now to bless the animals you have entrusted to our stewardship. Fill us with your love, that we may live together with them in your peace. Lead us to praise you for the beauty and bounty of your creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. Amen.

Blessing

P: O Lord, bless (name of animal), and fill the heart(s) of its owner(s) with thanksgiving for its life in our midst.
C: Amen.

Hymn

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (sung to Old Hundredth)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Benediction

P: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.
C: Amen.