From the Pastor’s Desk

One of St. Johns’ September practices over the last few years is the Blessing of Pets (and other animals) Service. This year it will be at Goose Park next to Hope UCC in Cochrane on September 20 at 10:30am. This will be followed by a light lunch provided by Hope.

The service will look similar to previous years. I will slightly modify the regular worship service and shorten my message to allow time to bless the animals and have the service take place around an hour. There will also be a prayer for our departed pets and animals who played an important part in our lives. As in the past, all pets/animals must either be on a leash or contained in a cage/container that is enclosed on all sides. If you don’t feel comfortable bringing your animal to the service, you can bring a collar, leash, toy, or other object that represents them for me to bless. While there are picnic benches at the park, I encourage you to put a lawn chair or two in your car in case they are all taken by the time you arrive.

The Blessing of Pets (and other Animals ) has roots in the eighth century. Francis of Assisi, who is known for several aspects of his ministry, is said to have had a special rapport with animals which accounted for his concern for the care of all Creation. (He is also known for the Prayer of Assisi and his work with the poor.) During the early twentieth century, churches began offering these services. Some held them around Assisi’s birthday on October 4 to honor him. Others began these as a way to celebrate animals as part of God’s creation while at the same time lifting us that humans are the God ordained caretakers for everything in Creation. These services also acknowledge the deep, loving bonds people share with their animal companions and the roles animals can play in our lives.

This is just one of several special services that will be coming up this fall. Which of course leads to Advent. Over the next few months, please check the newsletter, the website, and the bulletin for more details about these events.


God's grace and peace.
Pastor Deb Kunkel