Events for the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington
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Blessing of the Animals
Sun, October 8, 2023 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm PDT
Come, commemorate St. Francis of Assisi by having your furry, scaly, or feathery friends blessed after church services on October 8, 2023, in Kenmore Town Square, between the Hanger and Stoup Brewing. Fr. Jed will be blessing animals from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This event is free. We invite everyone in the community.
Please make sure you have your pets restrained or controlled. This keeps them and others safe.
Kenmore Town Square is at 6728 Northeast 181st Street, about 0.4 miles east of the church campus.
These are pictures from some previous animal blessings at the Redeemer campus and at Town Square.
Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182-Oct. 3, 1226) was a thirteenth-century saint and founder of the Franciscan order. He was born in Assisi in central Italy and named Giovanni Bernardone. His father changed his name to Francesco, “the Frenchman,” after a visit to France.
Francis’s gradual conversion began in the spring of 1205. He gave generously to the poor and became devoted to “Lady Poverty.” Francis stressed absolute simplicity of life marked by poverty, humility, and contemplation of Christ. Others gathered around him.
- On February 24, 1209, the Order of Friars Minor (Fratres minores), sometimes called Minorites, was founded. In England they were popularly called Grey Friars because of the color of their habit.
- The Second Order of St. Francis, known as the Poor Clares, was established for nuns in 1219.
- The Third Order for lay men and women was founded in 1221.
Francis is especially remembered for his writing, “The Canticle of Brother Sun.” The Hymnal 1982 includes two hymn texts written by Francis, “All creatures of our God and King” (400) and “Most High, omnipotent, good Lord” (406-407).
The hymn text “Lord make us servants of your peace” (593) is based on a prayer attributed to Francis.
He died in Assisi. Francis is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on October 4.
Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Worship inspired by this Feast typically include pet blessings, prayers for environmental protection and conservation, and a call to a lifestyle based in simplicity and service of others.
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Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.
