October 1, 2026

Please join us Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on the front lawn for the blessing of animals, I will take a moment with each animal, bless them with a prayer, and have a St. Francis medal available. St. Francis is the patron saint of ecology and animals. It is fitting to end our Creation Care focus with a day to celebrate all of creation. Logistics are that we will have treats for dogs and cats, we are accepting pet food donations for FIDO Animal Food Bank, and you are welcome to bring your animal to worship if they are in a container or on a leash.

Sunday is also World Communion Sunday; a global celebration of Christian unity shared across denominations and cultures. Weekly I meet with ecumenical partners, and it is a joy to share how our common and core beliefs intersect and inform our ministry. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is in full communion with six denominations Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, The Episcopal Church, The Moravian Church, and The United Methodist Church. This summer we had two ecumenical worship services where we experienced the unity of shared leadership and developing relationships with our neighbors.

My friend, Nancy, experienced another form of unity and connection as she picked up the t-shirts from Willy D. She had arrived a bit early and walked around George Floyd Square with another friend. They met Marquies who is the tourist disrupter and shares more of the story of neighborhood with folks who step off the tourist bus to “see” the place George was murdered. Marquies asked my friends why they were visiting and when told him the story… his face illuminated and his smile broadened. Nancy shared, “My friend who is a pastor in Oregon was here in July and bought a t-shirt from Willy D. She went back and folks from her congregation wanted some as well. I am picking up the order to send it to Oregon.” Marquies shared how this small act of solidarity, support and showing up gave him hope. Friends, we never know the impact we will have on the lives of other people. Simple acts invite us to know our neighbor more deeply and build bridges of connection.

For over four years, Marianne has built bridges and connected with our community. It was with joy and sadness that I welcomed her back to work this week. With her return comes the announcement of her retirement. Her last day is Wednesday October 14. We will celebrate her time with us on Sunday, October 11 with a special fellowship following worship. When Marianne began employment at Our Savior’s she attended a worship service and feels it would be a good ending to join us for worship again. Her eyes lit up when I shared, October 11 is also a healing service. She will be in the office each Monday and Wednesday until her retirement. Please join us on October 11 or beforehand to wish Marianne well in her retirement.
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There is still time to join me on Saturday for the Walk Out of Darkness. This annual event allows me to be a witness to break the stigma of Suicide and Mental Health. Even if you are unable to walk the three miles, listening to the speakers and participating in the bead ceremony is a moving experience. There is also a plethora of resource tents. I will be there by 10:30 holding the TEAM EMILY sign.