The Season of Creation is observed from September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4 (St. Francis’ Day). It’s a perfect opportunity for Christians to take up God’s call to be kind stewards of His creation, including by making a big impact for animals. Here are five fun ways you can get your church community involved:
- Organize a “trash fishing” day
“Trash fishing” is a great way to enjoy fun fellowship, help fight pollution, and protect aquatic animals’ homes. This activity for all ages is a great opportunity to teach children how to be kind stewards and about how litter harms the Earth and its inhabitants. Be sure to hand out some copies of A Fish’s Life to help kids understand that all animals are our friends!
- Screen an animal-friendly documentary
There are many great documentaries that educate viewers on the importance of animal rights, and a movie night with your church family would surely get the conversation started. You could screen A Prayer for Compassion, Sled Dogs, or The Failed Experiment at your home and schedule time for discussion afterward. You could even sweeten the event with some homemade vegan brownies.
- Help start an animal ministry
Talk to your church staff about creating a ministry for the needs of animals in your community. You could create a rotation of volunteers to help parishioners who are sick or in the hospital by caring for their animals, ask for companion animal food to be included in food drive events and at local food pantries, or ask that a section of the church’s website and weekly bulletin be reserved for announcing adoptable animals in the area. You could even coordinate with local animal shelters to have a monthly or weekly day of service for members of your church community.
- Bless the animals (safely)
If your church celebrates the Blessing of the Animals, request that attendees be asked to bring pictures of their animal companions rather than the animals themselves. Events like these can be stressful and confusing for them, and animals have been known to escape from their crates or guardians out of fear. It’s just as effective for the celebrant to bless photos of your nonhuman family members while they stay safe and comfortable at home.
- Share animal-friendly literature
Educating our communities on animal rights is essential to making the world a better place for everyone. Be sure to stock up on faith-based PETA literature to hand out or leave behind at church, school, the grocery store, the library, the gym, or anywhere else you can get the word out.
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And remember, being good stewards is a joyful year-round responsibility. For more ideas on taking care of God’s creation, check out our free Creation Care Toolkit:
