Barnyard Blessing a feast for all

What a beautiful day, in so many ways! We were grateful indeed for the sun that shone upon the outdoor Eucharist that we celebrated alongside our barnyard friends in the St. Clement's parking lot on Sunday, October 5. 

Jenn and Gabe from Cinemazoo brought a number of sheep, goats, bunnies, a Sicilian donkey, and a miniature horse to our worship service. The Rev. Laurel Dykstra of Salal + Cedar offered a bracing homily regarding the life of St. Francis, reminding us that it is easy to sentimentalize him in his role of animal lover, while neglecting his deep commitment to rejecting worldly wealth and to building respectful relationships with Muslims in the Holy Land during the time of the Crusades.

The communion service culminated with a blessing of the barnyard animals and their keepers, and all who tend the creatures of this world. 

Thank you to our faithful wardens and volunteers who brought chairs out for the almost 80 people in the congregation, and Beth and David who served ice cream at coffee hour. Many thanks are due as well to Lynley and the choir for leading us in our worship songs, and to Sean (with trusty sidekick Ian Gunn) for their extreme efforts in making the livestream happen despite this outdoor service being new territory for us! 

This event was a part of Reading Scripture with the Land, a year-long program made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lily Endowment Inc. We are grateful for this support.