The visiting snails are revealed!
We were fortunate indeed that the sun was shining on Sunday afternoon as Mindy, Father James and I met for the service we had planned celebrating animals and all of God’s creation. The cathedral looked lovely in its green finery with the sun shining through the spaces between the trees. It seemed a long walk to the worship area; we were so glad to have our stewards to help direct people. Not that we knew how many would come! But as the time arrived a steady stream of people and mostly dogs came towards us. There was a gently, humorous atmosphere in which time didn’t seem to matter. Someone came with some snails in a fish tank which seemed to complete the congregation; a hovering insect joined the ministers and stayed for the whole service and the birds joined us in the singing. The dogs listened carefully to the address and some barked in disapproval when cats were mentioned. It was a good time of worship in which God, perhaps smiling a little, seemed very close. Afterwards we were able to talk with one another and learn more about Guide Dogs for the Blind and Pets for Therapy. Thank you so much to the marshalls and stewards who helped us – it would have been impossible without them. Thank you God for the wonder of your creation!
The gathering congregation.
