Cheri and I lost one of our four-legged children this past week. Our dear Beagle, "Angel," could run like the wind! But old age finally caught up with her, and at 13, she stopped eating and was having problems even standing. She has now joined our other Hester dogs who have passed - Simon, Pablo, and Toto - all of which have been talked about in my sermons over the years. I'm sure Angel is especially glad to be reunited with Simon and Pablo as the three of them had a special relationship.
I'm writing you about them because one of our church members heard about Angel's death and decided to give a very generous donation to the church anonymously in Angel's memory. What an incredibly thoughtful thing to do.
Many of us have always known how special pets are to us. But the pandemic has magnified their importance. I know so many people who have leaned on their pets to help them cope and battle depression during this difficult time. Pets have made a huge impact. They are special gifts from God. 
So I'm writing to let you know that it is okay to remember your pet or someone else's pet through the church. From now on, in our monthly newsletter which is posted on our website, we will include "Pet Memorials" given to the church in honor or in memory of these special companions (dog, cat, horse, etc) that give so much to us. 
We thank the anonymous donor for helping us start this new ministry of highlighting our special companions who so often offer the unconditional love that Christ taught and modeled for us.
Speaking of Christ and his teachings, Sunday's lectionary text is from the Gospel of Mark. This passage (Mark 10:35-45) directly follows the passage that we looked at last Sunday. They are more challenging words of Jesus that I think reveal two things that Christians don't talk enough about. Some might say that they are two of Christianity's biggest secrets. Lyn Carden will be reading the passage for us, and her daughter, Ashelyn, will be helping me with the announcements. 
During the service, we will continue our stewardship theme, We Give Thanks. Speaking of giving thanks, we give thanks for Karen Townsend Murphree for sharing with us last Sunday. What an incredible job she did! 
This week, my wife, Cheri, will be sharing about what she is thankful for. Many of you have heard and seen Cheri sing, dance, and act, but rarely does the "preacher's wife" get the opportunity to speak from the heart to the congregation. I'm really looking forward to her sharing.
Well, my other three dogs (Gingy, Rusty, and Davey) are barking and letting me know that Angel wasn't the only dog in town. So excuse me while I go get some unconditional love. 
Hope to see you Sunday!
Love,
Billy