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Rev. Chris Jimmerson and Rev. Michelle LaGrave
February 4, 2024
First UU Church of Austin
4700 Grover Ave., Austin, TX 78756
www.austinuu.org
Join us for an all ages service to bless the beloved animal companions in your lives. All friendly, well-behaved creatures young, old, great and small, furry and scaly are invited to this cherished annual tradition.
Chalice Lighting
This is the flame we hold in our hearts as we strive for justice for everyone. This is the light we shine upon systems of oppression until they are no more. This is the warmth that we share with one another as our struggle becomes our salvation.
Call to Worship
Ask the animals and they will teach you.
Or the birds in the sky and they will tell you.
Or speak to the Earth and it will teach you.
Or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know the breath of the divine has done this.
In whose care is the life of every creature and the breath of all human kind.– Job 12, 7-10
Affirming Our Mission
Together we nourish souls, transform lives, and do justice to build the Beloved Community.
Reading
THE SOULS OF ANIMALS
by Rev. Gary KowalskiSense a solitude you can never fully enter into or understand.
Be aware that this is a being who has known hardships and hurts you can never imagine. This is a being who has known moments of wildness and innocence that you can never share.
Yet this is a creature who has desires like you. It walks the same ground and breathes the same air. It feels pain and enjoys its senses – the dazzling warmth of the sun, the cooling shade of the forests, the refreshing taste of pure water – as you do.
And in this we are all kin.
In that kinship, all life exists. Through that kinship, we can find wholeness. Out of that kinship we can draw wisdom and understanding for the healing of our common home.
Sermon
Text of this sermon is not yet available.
Animal Blessing
For all the ways you enliven my days
I bless you.For moments of oxytocin induced bliss
I bless you.For knowing how I am feeling, often before I do
I bless you.For so many moments of joy and laughter
I bless you.For entrusting me with providing you with care and nourishment
I bless you.For providing me with care and comfort
I bless you.For helping me to find my center during times when I have struggled
I bless you.For all the many ways you bless me more than I ever could you.
I bless you. I bless you. I bless you.
Benediction
“BENEDICTION FOR A PET BLESSING”
by Rev. Chris JimmersonShow joy when you first see your loved ones after being apart.
Except in the most dire of situations, retract your claws (unless it is all in good, playful fun).
Knock something off the shelf every once in a while, it’s fun and can open up new possibilities.
Delight in simple joys. Play a lot.
Never try to persuade humans to be reasonable.
Purr loudly or wag your whole body when you’re happy.
Sometimes a good howl or some hissing can help a lot, just avoid biting, which can get you in lots of trouble. Nap just for the pleasure of it.
Comfort others: accept comfort when you are able. Love freely, but never lose yourself in doing so.
May the congregation say, “Amen” and “Blessed Be”. Go in peace.
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