That’s certainly what happened at South Sydney
Uniting Church
when it held a special service a few weeks ago to honour those saints and to
celebrate creation.
Those in attendance included a significant
selection of dogs, mice running around on their spinning wheel, dragons looking
bemused in a box, and photos of cats who preferred to be represented in their
absence. Children brought their favourite animal toys and placed them among all
sorts of colours and shapes in flowers and leaves.
There was a great sense of celebration in
the singing, even as worshipers reflected on their grave responsibilities as
people who could protect or destroy the creation and its vulnerable occupants.
Monika’s Doggie Rescue representative Elizabeth Boag, who is well known for her newsagency
in Waterloo,
spoke about the work of the group in saving dogs who would otherwise have been
put down, and some of the dogs present had been saved through the work of her
group. They were certainly testimony to the life-saving activities of Doggie
Rescue as they mingled with each other happily and greeted the people. The
congregation gave donations for support of this good work.
After the service, everyone went into the
community garden which has been created at the back of the church. The animals
were blessed by Rev. Andrew Collis
as all enjoyed Naomi Ward’s especially-made decorated cakes and relaxed among
the plants in the sun.
Maybe saints Francis and Clare would have
been greenies had they lived in our age? They were certainly there in spirit
and in truth on that day.
Photo: Ali Blogg Caption: Rev. Andrew Collis blesses a mouse
Source: South Sydney
Herald November 2007 www.southsydneyherald.com.au