Jenny’s letter September 14th

Dear Friends,

This coming Sunday is one of my favourite services in the church year: our annual Pet Service. It is always a joy to see the church filled not only with people but also with the creatures who share our lives, bringing their own special energy, sounds, and personalities into our worship.

I often think of my dog, Harry, as one of my best little friends. Those of you who have met him know that he is not only a companion to me at home, but also, in his way, a working member of the parish pastoral team. He is very good at welcoming people, sitting quietly with those who need company, and occasionally making sure I get out for some fresh air. He doesn’t speak, of course, but we have our conversations. Over the years I have become quite fluent in “Harry’s looks.” There is the stare at the food cupboard look, the please throw the ball look, and the I just want to sit with you look. If you have a pet, you’ll know what I mean — that deep, wordless communication that goes beyond language.

One of the greatest gifts animals give us is unconditional love. Harry doesn’t mind if I’ve had a long day, or if my sermon is still unfinished, or if I’m in a bit of a mood. He is simply glad to be with me, and equally glad to receive affection in return. That is a very Christ-like quality. As St. Paul writes in Romans 8: “nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I sometimes think our pets understand that better than we do. They do not hold grudges, they do not calculate whether we deserve their affection, they simply are love in action.

But alongside our thanksgiving, we also recognise that pets are part of our families, and so when we lose them, the sorrow is very real. I know some among us are grieving the loss of a beloved animal, and our hearts and prayers are with them. In those moments of parting we can hold on to gratitude for the joy they brought us, trusting that the God who made every living thing also holds them in His care.

So this Sunday we come together in both joy and tenderness — giving thanks for wagging tails and gentle purrs, for soft feathers and twitching noses, for loyal hearts and unconditional love, and also remembering those pets who now live only in our hearts. May we learn from them what it means to love without reserve, to forgive quickly, and to live joyfully in the present moment.

Harry and I both look forward to seeing you — and your beloved animals — at the service. If bringing them seems a bit too scary how about you bring their photo. I pray thanksgiving and blessing over all the pets people bring – whether in a photo or in person. 

With every blessing,