BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
AND
FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH

Bring your pet, whatever kind you have, to our second annual
Blessing of the Animals in the church's front lawn on
Saturday, October 3rd at 1 p.m.

Come at noon because we're serving a FREE lunch of
hot dogs, chips, and water on our sidewalk as well!

Why are we doing this? Blessing of animals is customary around the world, regardless of religion. Jewish ceremonies remember God saving the animals in Noah's Ark and also when God freed the Hebrew people and animals in Egypt, and Christian ceremonies date back to St. Francis of Assisi,
who was well known for his love and care of all creation as gifts from God, including every kind of animal. 

This celebration reminds us that ALL of God's creation is blessed.
We want to show God's love for our neighbors, human beings and pets alike!

All kinds of pets are welcome, and in the interest of safety for all animals,
we ask that you please have your pet secured safely in some way,
whether on a leash, in a pet carrier, cage, or aquarium.
If pets are difficult to safely control or transport to the church, 
you may share the pets' names or bring a photograph and 
Rev. Bolen will bless them during the service
even though they aren't physically present.

This lunch and service is free and open to all
and we hope you will join us!