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Rev. Meg Barnhouse
February 7, 2021
First UU Church of Austin
4700 Grover Ave., Austin, TX 78756
www.austinuu.org
We come to another of our beloved traditions held each year around Imbolc and St. Brigid’s Day. The Blessing of the Animals invites folks to (in a non-pandemic year) to bring their animal companions to church so that we may all benefit from their love as we bless them in their companionship to their humans. This year we asked folks to send in pictures of their pets with a note about how their animal buddies bless their lives. Join us for ooohs, ahhhhs, and awwwwws for all the paws and claws.
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
The vital function that pets fufill in this world hasn’t been fully recognized. They keep millions of people sane. They have become guardians of being.
– Eckhardt Tolle
Affirming Our Mission
Together we nourish souls, transform lives, and do justice to build the Beloved Community.
Learn more about Beloved Community at this link. – The King Center
Meditation Reading
No matter how close we are to another person few human relationships are as free from strife, disagreement and frustration as is the relationship you have with a good dog. Few human beings give of themselves to another as a dog gives of his self. I also suspect that we cherish dogs because their unblemished soul makes us wish consciously or unconsciously that we were as innocent as they are and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the meaness, the betrayal, and the cruelties of this world are unknown.
– Dean Koontz, “A Big Little Life”
Sermon
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