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Contact: Gail Shore 612-770-4106
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St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship expands diversity, equity and inclusion by welcoming species of all backgrounds at “Blessing of the Animals” 10:00 a.m., Sunday Mar. 21
All creatures great and small are welcome to attend special online service
ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. (March 2021) – St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SCUUF) is an open-minded spiritual community where all are welcome. To celebrate this principle and love for creatures great and small, SCUUF is featuring a “Blessing of the Animals,” a special virtual Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. on March 21, 2021. The public is welcome to attend with their pets. To join the online services, visit www.scuuf.org.
During these days of spending an exorbitant amount of time at home, many of us have developed a greater appreciation for our pets. Every morning, our pets beg for their breakfast; they give us a reason to get out of bed. They remind us that we’re not alone each time they vie for attention or jump on our laps. Their silly antics make us laugh, and they always show interest in what we’re doing especially when we’re in a Zoom session on the computer.
Numerous pets of SCUUF members say they’re looking forward to “Blessing of the Animals.”
“We have loved having our owners around more, but not getting out and about has been tough on us animals too.” said Memphis, a miniature poodle. “I’m used to getting outside and sniffing around and, you, know, checking my messages. Still, the “Blessing of the Animals” will be a nice way to see some other faces, including a few cats, I suppose.”
Unitarian Universalists are regarded for embracing and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcome those of all backgrounds, breeds and species.
“I also look forward to broadening my horizons by joining other species, including canines,” said King Martin, a ragdoll cat. “I guess I haven’t had much exposure to dogs in my life, and I think the “Blessing of the Animals” is a wonderful way to come together and learn more about our neighbors and those that have a different coat, speak a different language, or even those that may have beaks or scales. After all, we’re all animals.”
Many animals have been brought up in a multi-species household, where learning how to get along with others has taken time.
“I remember being the only pet in the house,” said Sissy, a former farm cat. “Then, all of a sudden this dog arrives. At first, I admit, that no matter what I did that was wrong, I always tried to make it look like the dog did it. But now, it’s like, a birds of feather flock together. We’ve learned how to get along. Birds too.”
Redi and Daisy, two dogs living in a mixed household, agree.
“It takes time,” said both Redi and Daisy. “We used to believe that just dogs would give our owners unconditional love until the day they die; and that cats will make you pay for every mistake you’ve ever made since the day you were born. Our biases about cats were like, we (dogs) come when we’re called; but cats take a message and get back to you later. But now we see that cats and dogs are more alike than they are different. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
About St. Croix Falls Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Formed in 2012, St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SCUUF) is a liberal faith community that welcomes everyone. Unitarian Universalists – or “UUs” — are people of all ages, of many backgrounds and of many beliefs.
Unitarian Universalism (www@uua.org) affirms and promotes principles grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world’s religions. UU spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition. UUs are people of many beliefs and backgrounds: people with a religious background and people with none; people who believe in a God, people who don’t; and people who let the mystery be.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship gathers online at 10:00 a.m. the first three Sundays of the month. Rev. Kelli Clement preaches on the first Sunday of each month. For information about SCUUF and to join its online services, visit www.scuuf.org.