Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 10
9:30 - 11:30 AM
Join us for a Blessing of the Animals here on our outdoor lawn! Free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
Anyone is welcome to come and bring their pet or their stuffed animals to be blessed!
We are grateful for all of creation -- including our animal friends! And we want to show our appreciation with a blessing to the animals of our community. Come and help us give thanks for the animal friends of our world!
Let us know you're coming ahead of time and you'll be entered into a raffle.
Pet guidelines
We welcome your pet at our Blessing of the Animals! If you would like to bring your pet, we ask that you please keep the following in mind:
Be certain that a community event with kids is an appropriate setting for your particular pet. Pets that have a history of fearfulness or aggressiveness toward other people or animals should stay safely at home. We will gladly bless a picture of your pet instead!
Keep your pet on a short leash close to your body or safely contained (i.e. parakeet in a birdcage). Retractable leashes for dogs are never a good idea as they allow too much freedom and may lead to trouble.
Be respectful of people who may not like dogs/cats/etc.
Always ask permission to approach/pet another person’s animal.
Be mindful of toddlers who may excitedly race up to pet your animal. Ask the parents to teach their youngsters to ask if it is ok to pet first.
Do not allow your pet to approach other pets as they may react in unanticipated ways.
Watch your pet for any signs of stress.
It is your responsibility to maintain control of your pet. The best way to do this is to be aware of your pet at all times.
By following these guidelines, you will help us have a successful Blessing of the Animals!
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A Blessing of the Animals is a tradition in the church inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi who was known for his deep love of animals and the natural world. (He was even known to preach to birds!) We are hosting a Blessing of the Animals because we also want to show our delight and gratefulness for all of creation -- especially our animal friends! Come and help us give thanks for the animal friends of our community and world.
No -- if you have an animal in your life -- whether that's a pet, a favorite animal, or a stuffed animal -- and you want an opportunity just to say "Thank you for existing in our world!" then you are welcome at this Blessing of the Animals.
The event will take place at 2737 Techny Road on our outdoor lawn. We share a parking lot with the YMCA and we anticipate plenty of parking (additional parking available in the neighborhoods immediately north and west of us). The Blessing will be ongoing between 9:30 and 11:30 AM -- come at any point during this time frame.
If it's raining, we will gather under our outdoor driveway which is covered.
One of our pastors will give a short blessing for your pet, picture of your pet, or stuffed animal. Then you are welcome to stay to make a quick craft to remember the blessing and get a temporary animal tattoo!
Come at any point during the time frame of 9:30 - 11:30 AM.
Yes! Please review and agree to abide by our pet guidelines (above) to ensure that it will be appropriate to bring your specific pet to this event.
Nope! Totally free.
Yes, yes, yes! Anyone is welcome to come regardless if they signed up ahead of time.
