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There will be a unique event occurring on Sunday, as the first Blessing of Pets at the First Presbyterian Church will occur.
The event, open to church members and the public, will commence at 3 p.m. in the church’s parking lot, 215 N. High St. The event is free of charge.
“It is a reminder that pets play a big part in our lives and they are a blessing that God has given us,” First Presbyterian Church Pastor Rich Williams said.
The Blessing of the Animals is conducted during the month of October in churches all over the world.
“In the past, I have witnessed it in other areas, including California where I did seminary,” Williams said. “But I have never had a part in doing it, I am kind of excited about the whole thing. People can bring any kind of pet that they have.”
Traditionally, the Blessing of the Animals is held in conjunction with the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic friar and patron of animals and the environment. He believed that humans had the ability and moral responsibility to protect animals, a simple and compassionate edict that we should all do our best to live by.
Williams said the program should last about 20 minutes and encourages those in attendance to bring a lawn chair. Refreshments for both the attendees and their pets will be provided afterwards.
“Essentially, we are going to get together, have an invocation ask for God’s blessing, we are going to talk a little bit about the animals, their place in creation, then another prayer. I might ask for some of the audience that love animals to see if they want to share any stories about their pet,” said Williams.
The dogs must be on a leash and all other animals must be safely contained. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.
According to a letter from the church, “Our pets are part of the family and God loves our pets just as much as we do.”
For more information, contact Pastor Rich Williams at 389-1249 or Leanne Williams at 389-5620.
There will be a unique event occurring on Sunday, as the first Blessing of Pets at the First Presbyterian Church will occur.
The event, open to church members and the public, will commence at 3 p.m. in the church’s parking lot, 215 N. High St. The event is free of charge.
“It is a reminder that pets play a big part in our lives and they are a blessing that God has given us,” First Presbyterian Church Pastor Rich Williams said.
The Blessing of the Animals is conducted during the month of October in churches all over the world.
“In the past, I have witnessed it in other areas, including California where I did seminary,” Williams said. “But I have never had a part in doing it, I am kind of excited about the whole thing. People can bring any kind of pet that they have.”
Traditionally, the Blessing of the Animals is held in conjunction with the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic friar and patron of animals and the environment. He believed that humans had the ability and moral responsibility to protect animals, a simple and compassionate edict that we should all do our best to live by.
Williams said the program should last about 20 minutes and encourages those in attendance to bring a lawn chair. Refreshments for both the attendees and their pets will be provided afterwards.
“Essentially, we are going to get together, have an invocation ask for God’s blessing, we are going to talk a little bit about the animals, their place in creation, then another prayer. I might ask for some of the audience that love animals to see if they want to share any stories about their pet,” said Williams.
The dogs must be on a leash and all other animals must be safely contained. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.
According to a letter from the church, “Our pets are part of the family and God loves our pets just as much as we do.”
For more information, contact Pastor Rich Williams at 389-1249 or Leanne Williams at 389-5620.
