Blessing of the Animals

On Sunday October 1st we will be hosting a Blessing of the Animals Service. October 3rd is St. Francis
Day, the patron saint of all animals. In keeping with the tradition dating from the middle ages, we will
invite the community to join us in this special time of blessing those companion animals that make our
lives happier, healthier and more complete with wet kisses, rumbling purrs, squeaks, quacks, squawks,
slippery slithers and fishy bubbles!

The service will be held at 2 pm in the church yard (pray for a nice fall day) followed by a time of
fellowship for people and animals alike. There will be information booths set up by local shelters about
services they offer and adoption possibilities. The offering that afternoon will be both monetary and
gifts of pet foods, litter and other supplies needed by the shelters in our area so that they may continue
their very special ministries to God’s abandoned, abused and forgotten creatures. If you would like to
help in the preparing for the service, baking for the fellowship time, singing with a choir, or doing a
reading or prayer, please speak to Rev. Dee. Even if you do not have an animal at home, you are
very welcome to be part of his very special service.

Please ensure that all animals are safely secured, on a leash or in a carrier.