Last evening we took part in a Zoom-ish call with others from Trenton United Church. The computer screen was filled with the faces of people from four generations who were there to have their pets or companion animals blessed.
I've often joked that the United Church is a "herd of cats" and this was a heavenly herd of humans, a bunny, cats, dogs, cows, and a feisty gerbil. It was a happily chaotic twenty minutes or so, with laughter and the sincerity of the individual blessings for the creatures, great and small. The response for each blessing was "Hallelujah, God bless all the critters!" I wish I could share a screen shot, but there are privacy issues. It was a delight to see the faces of all the different species.
I'm sharing this because I admire how Rev. Isaac, our son, is finding ways to keep the congregation engaged, from the very young to the very not young. Trenton UC has opened for in-person worship when possible and tentative plans are being made for outdoor services as the province opens up again.
During the past 15 months there have been a number of well-attended study groups, some a combination of in-person and virtual participation. Baptisms have taken place, communion has been celebrated, new members received. The Friday meal ministry has continued throughout the pandemic. Meals and prayer shawls have also been shared with housebound members. It's quite heartening.
In our region there have been a number of days recently with no new reported cases of COVID-19 and the active cases are down to a dozen. This is good news for being able to share the Good News once again in ways that bring people together, physically.
Today we might say a prayer for all those who are committed to being responsive and inventive as the community of Christ, but are growing weary. God bless the ministry personnel and the lay leaders who are quietly making this happen, day by day, week by week.
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