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- As festival exhibitors, many nonprofit groups offer their advice, services and information.
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- Jared Carson, pastor at First Lutheran, blesses one of the many exotic birds in attendance.
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- All creatures of God’s creation are welcomed to the festival.
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- The festivities include a petting zoo.
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- All creatures great and small receive a blessing.
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- A service dog receives a special blessing.
As autumn arrives it has become customary for many ELCA congregations to remember Francis of Assisi, who died on Oct. 4, 1226. Well-known for his love for all creatures, commemorations for Francis often include a blessing of the animals. Here are photos from the annual Blessing God’s Creatures Festival held at First Lutheran Church and School in Torrance, Calif.
