Sunday 5th October brought a cheerful commotion to the church as our annual Pet Blessing Service welcomed creatures of all kinds - mostly canine, but joined by a couple of cats, a tortoise, and a guinea pig. It was joyful sight as both two-legged and four-legged parishioners gathered side by side to give thanks for the gift of animal companionship. All God's creatures, great and small, were warmly invited forward to receive a blessing from Fr Steven or Revd Nancy. The service was one of gratitude - for loyal pets, for the quiet comfort they bring, and for the joy they add to out lives. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and affection, and the animals mostly behaved themselves; though a few were determined to sing along with the animal themed hymns. Across the diocese, many churches have been holding similar celebrations, giving thanks for the animals who share our homes and our hearts, while also raising awareness of the importance of animal welfare. These services are inspired by St. Francis of Assisi — the saint renowned for his love of animals and the natural world. In an age when care for the environment and all living things has becoming increasingly topical, the church is rediscovering his example and his gentle wisdom. We’re already looking forward to next year’s gathering and hope to welcome even more furry, feathery, scaly, and shell-covered friends to join the fun.All God's creatures got a place in the choirAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowListen to the top where the little bird singsOn the melodies and the high notes ringingAnd the hoot owl cries over everythingAnd the blackbird disagreesSinging in the night time, singing in the dayWhen little duck quacks and he's on his wayAnd the otter hasn't got much to sayAnd the porcupine talks to himselfAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowDogs and the cats, they take up the middleWhile the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddlesThe donkey brays and the pony neighsThe old grey badger sighsListen to the bass, it's the one on the bottomWhere the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamusMoans and groans with a big t'doAnd the old cow just goes mooAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowIt's a simple song, a little song everywhereBy the ox and the fox and the grizzly bearThe dopey alligator and the the hawk aboveThe sly old weasel and the turtle doveAll God's creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low and some sing higherSome sing out loud on the telephone wireSome just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got nowAll God's creatures got a place in the choir
This week we give thanks for two wonderful years with Fr Steven as our Rector, installed on 2nd October, he quickly became part of our church family. Fr Steven hasn't shied away from challenges - spiritual or practical! Who could forget the day he climbed to the top of our historic spire in his dog collar and brogues, highlighting the cost of repair works to the cedar shingles ... and having a bit of fun while he was at it!In worship, he has enriched our lives together, aside from out usual services he began a regular Evening Prayer group which has gained a small but dedicated attendance. He has also shared his love of Taizé through several moving services that have drawn people from across the community. The parish spiritual retreat to Storrington Priory in June offered a further space for prayer and renewal. These moments have helped our parishes grow deeper in faith and fellowship. For our younger members, Story @ 4 has offered a variety of themes, including back to school activities, a teddy bear picnic with adventurous bears taking a ride on a zipwire from the church tower, and a lively pet blessing service that welcomed creatures great and small into the church. And while we're on the topic of animals, we must mention Frodo the pseudo donkey's unforgettable Palm Sunday appearance, along with his generous "contribution" to the service. Outside of his ministry, we also admire Fr Steven's sense of adventure - when he's not climbing spires he can be found scaling mountains or braving the rapids in a kayak. 1 Peter 4:10-11“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.”As we celebrate this anniversary, we thank God for Fr Steven's dedication and friendship, and pray for many more years of shared worship and growth in our benefice.
