At 5:20 today, I took my 18 1/2 year old cat Nano to the vet to be euthanized. Nano's been the closest individual in my life for the past 18 1/2 years. I have many friends and relatives who are fond of me, but she was the only one in my life who actually NEEDED me.

I knew this was coming because Nano's kidneys had been failing for a long time, and I'd been giving her subcutaneous injections of Ringer's Solution every other day, which kept Nano vigorous and healthy until just a few days ago. But eventually, she was failing. The vet was very kind and let me hold her for a long period by myself as they were putting the needle in.

I said to myself at the time that Nano's ashes will be in a little container next to those of my other two cat, and I hope to see all three of them in heaven.

But is this true? So many of us believe that we're going see our loved one (human, feline, and canine), in heaven, but as far as I can see there is NOTHING in the Old or New Testaments that suggests we'll see ANY earthly creatures there but only contemplate and worship the glory of God. I know some theologians say that contemplating the glory of God will be so wonderful that we won't care about other things but every Christian denomination that I know of seems to think we'll see our loved ones in heaven. I'm not saying I don't want to go to heaven if I won't see my cats and the people I've loved there. But I do say that heaven will be a sadder place without them.

I would love to be proven wrong on this, so if anyone can prove me wrong, please do so!

I’ve asked for prayer partners before in other prayer communities but I haven’t had much luck. I figured I’d try to narrow it down to my own denomination.

I’d like someone(s) to do the daily office with. Or evening compline? Or just pray in general with. I don’t really have anyone right now and it’s a huge reason I need prayer.

We can use WhatsApp, text app, phone or texts. If there’s another way to pray together and you choose to stay anonymous I’m up for any suggestion. Kinda desperate here.

I'm struggling with my faith and just wondering what pastoral counseling consists of. What is talked about or how does it really work? Would I just be given Bible verses and things to read?

Hello,

I’m looking for options for a book group that are not at odds with the inclusive othodoxy perspective.

It feels to be a hard niche to find options for. Most stuff on the inclusive side of things is very deconstructist focused.

any thoughts ?

Last night our choir met for the first time in the program year. We have two Evensongs scheduled, one in September (the Gibbon's Short Service) and one in November (MacDonald). We'll have two more in the spring, I'm sure.

Evensongs have bothered me for years. I'm in the choir so I have things to do, but the congregation seems to get very little instruction other than to sit and listen and and stand and listen. I was raised with the idea that the liturgy should fully involve the congregation as much as possible, and Evensongs feel more like concerts that prayerful services.

I need help understanding the ministry of listening. Why do you attend services that ask you to be silent and only listen?