ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICES HONOR ST. FRANCIS
The first Sunday in October – besides being observed in some denominations as World Communion Sunday – also is a frequent time for Blessing of Animals services. They honor the 14th Century Italian saint, Francis of Assisi, who is said to have had a special fondness for all God’s creatures.
In churches where the service is held, pet owners bring their dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and sometimes-larger animals – caged or leashed – to the minister for a blessing.
First United Methodist Church in Salem had such a service on the lawn at 125 W. Main St. the past Sunday.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem will have its observance on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. on the parish playground.
SAEM OCT. 10 MEETING TO HEAR OF “STORE’
When representatives of congregations that are part of Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries (SAEM) gather for their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 10, they will hear of the holiday work of The Christmas Store. One of its leaders, Janie Whitlow, will tell how households who have registered previously with departments of social services may shop for several new products in early December at no charge. A local board determines policies.
The clothing, toys, small appliances and other household goods will have been supplied by donors in previous months. Location of the store is usually announced around Thanksgiving and is often an unused commercial space donated for the holiday season. SAEM meets at 7 p.m. at College Lutheran Church.
SW DISCIPLES WELCOME INTERIM PASTOR
The Rev. Kevin McNeil, a former associate pastor at Loudon Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and now a campus minister at Lynchburg College, will become interim pastor of Westhampton Christian Church, a Disciples congregation at 2515 Grandin Road SW. McNeil will serve until the Rev. Jim Crockett, pastor, is able to resume his duties after undergoing major heart surgery followed by complications. McNeil began this past Sunday.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS AT DALEVILLE
An all-day class is scheduled Monday, Oct. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help parents, teachers and others concerned with the mental health of teens learn more of such issues as addiction. It will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Daleville. It is open to the community with lunch provided as part of the $25 fee. Call Sheila Lythgoe at 540-982-1427 for advance registration.
PREVENTING FALLS SEMINAR STARTING
“A Matter of Balance,” a free eight- week seminar on preventing falls, will begin Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, in Salem. Falling accidents are the most common cause of disability in the elderly often leading to weeks or months of dependence from which some never recover. Sessions will be conducted by a staff representative of Carilion Medical Center. For more information call 1-800-422-8482.
MHA FREE FILMS HELD AT GRANDIN
The annual series of free films relating to mental health is in progress at the Grandin Theatre in Southwest Roanoke. Each begins at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays in October and is sponsored by Mental Health America, a locally controlled preventive and education agency. A discussion period led by Roanoke Valley counselors follows each film. Remaining movies are Silver Linings Playbook, Still Alice, Neal Brennan’s 3 Mics and The Shining. Call 540-344-0931 for more information.
- Compiled by correspondent Frances Stebbins