Season of Creation, Pet Blessing and the Lavender Tea
The “Season of Creation” was celebrated at St. Stephen’s West Vancouver over four Sundays during September. The blessing of the animals took place as the culmination of the four Sunday “Season of Creation” observance on October 1. Parishioners brought their well-behaved pets (dogs on leash, cats in carrying cases) plus photos of fond well-remembered deceased pets, all of whom were mentioned by name, then blessed by the parish's rector, the Reverend Kenneth Vinal. Minister of Music, Dr.Annabelle Paetsch, very appropriately opened the service with “The Swan” from Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals, and ended it with Royal March of the Lions from the same work.
On October 15, the third annual Lavender Tea followed the morning service. This event uses the lavender growing in the church’s gardens and other lavender donated by parishioners which is crafted into sachets and “tea” bags for sale. The proceeds, this year added up to $2000 and were donated to the North Shore Harvest Project joining the plentiful food donations from the previous week’s Harvest Thanksgiving. Muisc in worship was enhanced by two guest soloists joining Minister of Music, Dr.Annabelle Paetsch: Nancy Rieken, flute, and Catherine Crouch, soprano. Using the new harpsichord, generously donated to St. Stephen’s by Mrs. Sharon West, the group performed Domine Deus (Gloria) by Vivaldi, and Mein Glaubiges Herze (Cantata 68) by J.S.Bach.
IMAGES
- Lavender Tea Sheet Cake
- The Reverend Ken Vinal blesses a beloved pet
- That's a pretty big doggie waiting for a blessing
- Flautist, Nancy Riecken
- Annabelle Paetsch, Nancy Riecken and Catherine Crouch
- Sachets are ready for sale
- Ruth Brock and Caroline Sutherland offer some cookies
- Guests enjoy the Tea
Photos for this post submitted by John Ruddick and Janice Harvey