To give thanks for God's creatures and the love they give us.

Purpose
To show that God has a real care and affinity to all his world and creation, including the animals etc who bring so much pleasure to His people.
 

Today's selected readings:

• Genesis 1: 20-25
Isaiah Chapter 11: 1-9 or 6-9
• S.Matthew 10: 28-31
S.Luke 14:1-6
 

The Practical Sermon Activity

* Children bring their pets into church (With suitable safeguards)

* It is never a waste of time to have a spare bucket & mop around.

* If no carpet in church, pets could remain with their owners.

* If have carpet throughout the church, then you could put black plastic down. However, my experience over 30 years has shown very little accident behaviour from pets.

* Children, in talk, asked why their pet is special etc

* Kids and adults come up to talk a little about their pet, and the ways they are given back some of the love they hand out.

* You could invite a speaker from the animal shelters to talk about the unwanted and the Priest could link this in with God's love for the unwanted.

* Or you could have a speaker from the homeless shelters (People) - Eg. Salvation Army, and make the obvious Christian connection. Compare that many animals are made homeless when they outlive their novelty value Eg After Christmas, birthdays etc

* Stress: God's creation includes his animals. They are on this earth , among other things, to bring pleasure to us all. A blessing is given to the owners whose task it is to love and look after the animals.

At Saint Thomas' people will bring their pets to the communion rail for a blessing and those wishing to receive the communion (People that is) are communicated there.

What you need to get ready:
* Banners around the church and over the altar
* Plastic (if unsure) over the carpet
* Mops, buckets etc in readiness

Kids Church Activity:
* It is best a special activity is not planned. The service should be designed for the whole family to be present.
* If it was felt something should be organised, then the children could help to prepare the BBQ area, plates etc for the Sausage Sizzle to follow the service.

Special Prayer

Father, so often we forget that you created animals, birds and similar living creatures for the benefit and pleasure of
your people. Thank you for the provision of our animals and for the pleasure and comfort they bring, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Suggested Hymns

The butterfly song (Songs Of Living Water 56) Through the fig tree (Songs Of Praise 48) lip All things bright and beautiful(The Australian Hymn Book) All creatures of our God and King (Hymns For Todays Church 13) My God is so big (Covenant Songs) May the Lord give you increase (Songs Of Praise 191)

Blessing

May the Lord who holds all creatures in his hands, bless your lives with peace and joy and may you (we) know the touch of his love, today and for ever. AMEN