This Sunday, our children and youth will lead us in worship as we praise our Creator and bless the animals and plants that we love and tend. If you have a pet, bring them or bring a picture! If you have a favorite stuffed animal, bring it. If you have a plant – a houseplant or tree in your yard – bring a picture and we’ll bless it. Blessing will abound as we remember that we are all connected as siblings in the holy, awesome web of life. We are connected in joy; we are connected in pain; we are connected in celebration and in devastation. In this fraught time in our world, may this Sunday root and ground us in the radical truth of our interconnectedness, the sheer gift of life and breath, the fragile beauty of our creaturely companions, and the persistent calling we all share as human beings to tend and keep the earth.

We will also honor two saints this Sunday: St. Hildegard of Bingen and St. Francis of Assisi. St. Hildegard was an abbess, naturalist, herbalist, composer, artist, and mystic who lived in the 12th century. Here are some of my favorite Hildegard quotes that I return to every year. Each is worthy of meditation. May they bless your journey of faith.

“Even in a world that’s being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong.”

”Holy Wisdom, Soaring Power, encompass us with wings unfurled, and carry us, encircling all, above, below, and through the world.“

“All living creatures are sparks from the radiation of God’s brilliance, emerging from God like the rays of the sun.“

“Like billowing clouds, like the incessant gurgle of the brook, the longing of the spirit can never be stilled.”

“The truly holy person welcomes all that is earthly.“

“We shall awaken from our dullness and rise vigorously toward justice. If we fall in love with creation deeper and deeper, we will respond to its endangerment with passion.“

Thanks be to God!

Pastor Martha