Jubilee of Francis

Many of us have or have seen people with statues of Francis of Assisi in their gardens. Francis was an itinerant preacher and reforming religious figure who lived in Italy from 1181 to 1226. The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis renounced his wealth and comforts to live among the poor and the sick outside of the city walls. Francis’ preaching and life soon attracted and he would eventually found a religious order of itinerants dedicated to lives of poverty and service known as the “Order of Little Brothers” (today, commonly known as Franciscans). Francis ignited a spiritual renewal in the medieval church. He called all people of goodwill to be generous in giving, humble in speech, gentle with creation, joyful in worship, and at peace with mortality. Today, Francis is still regarded as a beloved figure in Christian history, and we Lutherans continue to admire his reforming spirit.

This year, marks the 800^th anniversary of Francis passing into eternal life. As such, Pope Leo XIV has declared this year the Jubilee of Francis and he has extended an encouragement and invitation to all Christians (not just Roman Catholics) to take this moment to give thanks for the example of Francis and to rededicate ourselves to the ministry of advocating for the poor and marginalized, protecting the environment, engaging in interfaith dialogue, and living our lives with simplicity.

At Messiah, we observe the commemoration of Francis every first Sunday of October with a special outdoor worship service and blessing of the animals. As a congregation committed to environmental justice and seeking justice and healing for those on the margins of society, Francis has always been an important hero of the faith for us. For that well of appreciation and in honor of the Jubilee Year, Messiah is hosting a whole weekend of celebrations!

First, on Saturday, October 3^rd from 9am-12pm we will have a St. Francis Block Party.
This is a come-and-go event for people to receive prayer, to serve others, to be served, and to get connected with organizations St. Francis would have loved! There will be something for everyone:

• Pastor Trent will be offering pet blessings
• Tarrant Area Food Bank will be here with their mobile food truck to distribute food and help people with SNAP sign-ups
• We will be collecting dog food to support Don't Forget to Feed Me
• Knarr Coaching will be offering a movement class with pets
• Other community partners will be there for you to meet and connect with their work: Weatherford College Veterinary Tech Program, Grounds for Hounds, Weatherford Animal Services, and Unity Recovery. 

Then, on Sunday, October 4^th we will have a very special outdoor worship service at 10:30am. We will hear biblical stories that call us to appreciate and steward the created world. We will reflect on the example of Francis of Assisi. Pets of all kinds are invited to participate in our worship service that day and also to receive a special blessing. We will also have a moment for remembering and giving thanks for all those pets we have lost. This is always a Spirit-filled morning of worshipping God out in God’s creation.

Join us for a weekend of celebrating the gift of creation, the gift of serving one another, and the gift of living lives that reflect God’s glory.