“The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.”

 We will hold our first annual Blessing of the Animals at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 23. The event will take place outside in the same site as the July 20 outdoor service—south parking lot and adjacent grass.

 The event will run approximately 30 minutes and will include a brief service from the Book of Worship led by Pastor Lynn. Light refreshments will be served.

We hope you will join us for this unique event celebrating our fellow creatures.

Three Items of Interest

1. Please don't bring in Styrofoam other than on first and third Sundays.  It's beginning to be a source of litter, and we'll have to stop collecting it if this continues. Thanks.
2. The Ecology Group Ottawa County will begin accepting non-controlled drugs at their recycling center on Quincy sometime soon.  This is a free service. You can tell if a drug is controlled by looking on the prescription label--it will be marked as such.  Controlled drugs will be done later--a trial is planned this fall--and will require law enforcement support.  Watch the paper for a notice of the starting date, or check the bulletin.
3.  We'll be having an electronics recycling event on August 9. Look for details in the August Focus or in the bulletin.

• See demonstrations of The EnviroScape 3-D interactive units that dramatically demonstrate water pollution -- and its prevention. EnviroScape programs communicate to people of all ages that we share responsibilities in preventing water pollution.
• We’ll have models demonstrating… Ÿ Watershed/Nonpoint Pollution Sources Ÿ Coastal Landscapes Ÿ Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Ÿ Hazardous Materials impacts Ÿ Modern Landfill Operation
• Displays Ozone action, Recycling, Metering Incandescent vs. Compact Fluorescent bulbs (see the measurable difference)
• Find out Your Carbon Footprint—see how you stack up in doing your part to combat global warming
• Freebies Children’s books and DVD’s addressing the environment and water/land stewardship
• Seedlings
• Earthworms – improve your soil or start a composting operation
• Food Grab some coffee, cookies and fruit while you’re checking things out
• Stock up on Fair Trade items and reusable bags

Hope to see you in Fellowship after either service!