Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost/Service of Holy Communion with Blessing of the Animals. This Sunday morning we will gather in the beautiful outdoors at the Lakeside Pavillion. As we remember Francis of Assisi (October 4), we will celebrate the beauty and gift of creation, the animals that surround us and accompany us. We invite you to bring your pets with you for a Blessing of the Animals. God cares for all creatures great and small! Many of us live with furrier, feathered, scalier family members, pets, who sustain us and bring us joy with their loving acceptance and silly antics. Bring your family friend (cat, rat, dog, iguana, turtle, etc.) appropriately leashed, caged, cooped so that everyone can have a good time.  We bless our pets for the joy and companionship they bring into our lives.  Some of us have lost dear pets during the last year. We invite you to bring a picture, and remember them as part of our service.