Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s

By Lisa Rotchford

Reverend

Oct. 4 is a special day to thank God for all creation. St. Francis’ Feast day gives us a chance to be reminded of the work and wisdom of this 12th century saint whose life and ministry embodied a connectedness to God through creation. There are many quotes attributed to a personable man like Francis, but his words on how to be faithful to God is my personal favorite, “Love Him totally, who gave himself totally for your love.”

Francis roamed the Italian countryside proclaiming God’s goodness in creation and Christ’s love for all in creation. He purportedly preached to the birds, the woodland creatures, and the human followers who heard God’s enduring message of love through Francis’ way of being united to God in all things. God is united with us from our creation until eternity. He encourages us to remember this, “Cast your cares upon the Lord, and your faith will sustain you.”

Come and cast your cares upon God in worship at the Redeemer Lutheran and St. Theodore’s Episcopal churches (13564 St. Andrew’s Drive). In honor of St. Francis, this week at 9 a.m. there be a special opportunity to have your animals blessed. You may bring your pet with you. or bring a picture of a beloved pet if that pet is more comfortable at home (or has gone to be at home with the Lord). For those wanting to worship outside, there is drive-up/walk-up Communion out in front of the church on the northeast side of the church from 9:30–10:15 a.m. There will be a traditional 30-minute worship service with organ music, prayers and Communion for those who would like to attend service inside at 10:30 a.m.

God so loves his creation, that no matter what cares we have in this world — and our world seems to have a lot of cares at the moment — God will sustain us. By looking at creation — how God feeds the smallest of the animals, sustains our plants with refreshing rains, gives us warmth on cold winter days, and breezes that cool hot summer days — we can feel closest to God by simply looking and living in God’s world. I think Francis was a fan of the epistle of James: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Or to paraphrase: Live into creation as you are a beloved, created being of God.