Update: The pet blessings scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1, have been relocated from Bethell Hall to the Playground.
Blessing of the Pets
Wednesday, Oct. 1
5:30 p.m. Dinner in Sumners Hall
6:30 p.m. Worship on the Playground
St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181-1226) inspired the church with his devotion to the sacraments and his acts of service to the poor. Francis founded an order of monastics that continues in service and devotion to this day. Francis was also known for his care for all of God’s creatures, and several stories report that he sought to foster peace between humans and animals. From these stories, it has become the custom of the church to honor St. Francis’s legacy by celebrating the joy pets bring into our lives.
You and your pets are invited to dinner and a short worship service on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Dinner will begin in Sumners Hall at 5:30 p.m. We’ll move to the Playground at 6:30 p.m. for a short worship service during which individual blessings will be offered to each pet.
But maybe your pet wouldn’t appreciate an outing or have fun in a crowd? If that’s the case, we’d still like to celebrate your pet’s place in your family. Bring a picture or a favorite toy or some other symbol of the pet to the service, and we’ll pray together with those.
Those who prefer a private blessing, please email the Rev. Hope Tinsley Benko ( ).
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