Part of our mission as a faith community is to deepen our connection with each other and God. As we nurture our inner lives, we become increasingly aware of our intimate connection with all things great and small–from the earth and the sky to the creatures that live here. Many church members have taken visible and tangible actions towards expanding their circle of love to include “all God’s Creatures”. Their actions are seen in the support of local animal shelters, the Humane Society, pet, horse and chicken rescue, compassionate farming practices, and the adoption of plant based diets. We invite you to explore and deepen your connection to the animal kingdom by participating in events, educational opportunities and volunteer days that support this often overlooked opportunity for compassion.
Annual Blessing of the Animals
You and your critter companions are invited to join us on the La Selva Beach library lawn for a special Sunday each October. In honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, church is held outdoors for a truly inclusive service! Whether your pets are four-legged, no legged, or feathered, they are invited to participate and receive a special blessing just for them!
Resources for Further Contemplation
The Humane Steward includes articles about faith and compassion by the Humane Society of the United States.
Rescued Chickens Brought Me Closer to God is a story about one church family’s unexpected and heart warming experience.
The Cove. Academy Award® Winner for Best Documentary of 2009, THE COVE follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery, adding up to an unforgettable story that has inspired audiences worldwide to action.
The World Peace Diet Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony. Written by local educator/philosopher, Dr. Will Tuttle, this has been called one of the most important books of the 21st century. The World Peace Diet presents the outlines of a more empowering understanding of our world, based on comprehending the far-reaching implications of our food choices. This thought provoking work is based on the truth of the interconnectednessof all life.
Are you interested in the movement toward plant based diets to better your health, the environment, and support compassionate treatment of animals? Find support for your food choices by joining the Vegetarian or Vegan Meetup Group of Santa Cruz. Membership is free and the websites are full of interesting information, recipes and resources.
To support compassionate farming practices, consider buying your eggs locally from one of the conscientious backyard chicken keepers from our church or the rescued chickens at Black Hen Farm.
