I got that from the Humane Society of the United States, which offers tips for having a  humane Easter that respects all creation.

In the humane society’s Humane Steward Faith in Action for Animals e-letter sent today, the society’s advises people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead of real ones this holiday.

“If you love bunnies, make yours chocolate. Rabbits are the third most relinquished species at animal shelters nationwide. Intakes of rabbits at shelters go up dramatically after the Easter holiday,” the e-letter stated.

For more tips, see  “In the Spirit of Easter, Be Humane and Honor Creation.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

I just learned of a neat feature on the Human Society of the United States’ Web site. It’s called the “Francis Files.”

The society invites readers to share a story of how an animal has influenced their faith or how their faith has influenced their view of animals.

The society shares many of the stories with its readers. Each month one story is featured in the society’s e-newsletter, the Humane Steward.

The Francis Files are, of course, named after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.  

For more information or to submit your story, click here: Francis Files.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

A blessing of the animals service on Oct. 4 recognizes the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, who wrote a Canticle of Creatures, an ode to God’s living things, according to the National Council of Churches.

“A blessing of the animals service reminds us of the values St. Francis held,” Jordan Blevins, the council’s assistant director of the Eco-Justice Programs, said in a prepared statement.

“In the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark, it is clear that God provided for the blessing of animals in the same way that God did people. There are threats to God’s creation present in our world today, particularly regarding the well-being of endangered species.”

Many Oklahomans are planning to take the family pet for a blessing today, Sunday or in the coming days. A local clergyman offers this advice:

– Make sure your pet is on a leash or in a cage.

– Be sure to bring your camera to take lots of pictures.

– Take a pooper scooper … just in case.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor     

1. Blessing our furry and feathered friends. A free Pet Blessing event is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at United Methodist Church of the Servant, 14343 N MacArthur.  Five Church of the Servant ministers will offer individual blessings for each pet at the event in the church’s east parking lot. The blessing is in partnership with the Central Oklahoma Humane Society.

2. All’s Fair in Health and Fitness. Two Oklahoma City churches are offering free health fairs on Saturday. Estes Park Church of Christ will host a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 440 NW 89. Health screenings and other activities are planned. For information call 818-4521. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church is hosting a Fall Fitness Fair from 9 to 11 a.m. Health screenings, the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s bloodmobile and other activities will be featured. For more information, call 692-4242.

3. Celebrating Scope Ministries. An international ministry headquartered here in Oklahoma City, Scope Ministries International, will celebrate 35 years of ministry tonight at First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City, 131 NW 4. The event will begin at 7 p.m., with Christian singer-songwriter Dennis Jernigan to offer praise and worship. It’s free and open to the public. For more about Scope, visit www.scopeministries.org.   

4. Trouble in the jury room. The play “Twelve Angry Jurors” will be performed as part of a dinner theater offered at 6 p.m. Saturday at 

5. It’s the end. An End Times Prophecy seminar with the Rev. Dean Moore as guest speaker will begin at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at Family of Faith Church, 13500 SE 15 in Choctaw. The free seminar continues at 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at the church. 

BONUS: Yes, the faith and fun will extend on into Monday. Santus Real and Tenth Avenue North will perform in concert at the 7:30 p.m. Monday at the State Fair of Oklahoma (Toyota Stage). The concert is free with paid admission to the fair.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Perhaps you may want to mark Sept. 13 on your calendar.

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society has partnered with  churches to hold a series of free pet blesings in Oklahoma City area.

The fall blessing is set for 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 at United Methodist Church of the Servant, 14343 N MacArthur. The blessing will take place in the church’s east parking lot.

Five ministers from the church will offer individual blessings for each pet that attends the event and each pet will also receive a blessing certificate as a memento of the event.

The pet blessings are part of the Humane Society’s Humane Education, a public outreach and education program intended to teach people about the importance of animal welfare.

For more information, call 286-1503.      

Interested in reading an assortment of pet blessings? Go online to www.animalchaplains.com.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor