September’s coming; a time to celebrate

Greetings and Peace.
September will soon be upon us and with it comes the time to Celebrate Sobriety and Celebrate Creation and prepare ourselves for the Blessing of the Animals. Each of these offer each of us an opportunity to share our gifts, passions, concerns, and celebrations of who we are as individuals and how we are responsible to one another as a supportive community.
September is the month set aside for all people to come together and celebrate and affirm our neighbors who are in recovery. It is, also, an opportunity for the individuals in recovery to share their stories in a respected way and place that allows for community support, safety and shared joy of their journey.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kasson plans to host a Recovery Service, based upon the 12 Steps, at 6:15 p.m., on the first Wednesday night of September (September 7, 2022). We believe that when two or three are gathered that God will be in the midst of them and that it will be a holy and sacred time.
We hope that all will feel welcomed to come and celebrate the milestones, struggles and work that is faced moment by moment for those in recovery. Are you or someone you know in recovery? If so, know you/they are welcome to join us.
September is the month that ecumenically is set aside by various denominations, as well as, by individuals of no faith, to listen and care for creation. This year, the theme of Season of Creation is “Listen to the Voice of Creation”. The symbol being used is the “Burning Bush.” It is felt that during COVID many voices were silenced and individuals felt isolated and alone. Often, when issues come up in dealing with caring for creation, individuals can feel that they are not being heard.
It is hoped that combined voices will be heard and that groups will take on special projects within their communities and within their states and nation to bring out not just awareness but to change how things have been ignored and/or abused...by individuals, businesses, industries, and communities.
Although for Christians, this is a time to be in sync with Creation and the Creator, it is, also, a time for all people who care about creation, the planet, the land, water, air, animals, and our resources to join into conversations, education, forums and community projects. Remember the Season of Creation lasts only a month but the work of conservation, education and preservation is year round...because future generations deserve to witness that we are responsible people who cared.
At St. Peter’s Episcopal, we will be offering special mid-week prayers on Facebook and affirming the individual projects of our members in caring for creation. We are hopeful that others in the community will use September as a springboard for caring for our blessed creation and the beauty it gives us. What projects are you going to get behind?
Remember, that Season of Creation begins on September 1...on World Day of Prayer. Let our hearts be called to action and to being kind and caring for creation...remembering that we are called to be faithful stewards.
As September draws to a close and we finish our Season of Creation, many faith communities will be gearing up to celebrate The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi and /or to share in the blessing of the animals.
Tuesday, October 4, 2022, is the day that many churches, around the world, will be setting aside for celebrating and blessing our pets/ animals. It is generally done on October 4th because that is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who has been recognized as the blessed patron saint of animals and the environment.
Some churches will be blessing the animals on Sunday, October 2, 2022, either within their normal church services or at another set aside time. Check with your local faith communities to see what is being planned or about how you might help in making it a successful event. The blessing of the animals can take place during normal church services or at special...set aside times and places. Blessings can be done in various ways, from simple prayers to complete liturgies.
If you have a pet and would like to have it blessed...check with your faith community’s worship committee and see what they are offering. If they are not setting aside a specific time...consider checking with other faith community leaders in your community. Chances are that one of us would be happy to do a private blessing of your pet, at a convenient time for all involved. Remember if it doesn’t work for you and your pet to attend a pet blessing service, a private prayer blessing might be the solution.
We are called to be kind to one another...to love...and to be a people of action. Make your actions be ones that aid in people’s lives and improves the quality of life for all. Remember to celebrate the moment that you find yourself in and to give thanks for being given the opportunity to share God’s love and blessings.
Have a blessed day and remember...”You are a blessing and a gift in someone’s life. Enjoy taking time to laugh, chuckle, smile, and being you.
Onward!
Pastor’s column: Rev. Alice Mae Applequist, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Kasson