Good Shepherd Goes to the Dogs (and Hedgehogs)

Our first annual Blessing of the Animals was a wonderful community outreach opportunity and God certainly provided perfect weather for the day!

The event attracted many dogs as well as turtles and a hedgehog.  Check out the photos!

The celebration of animals is part of acknowledging the creative love that God has bestowed on the world.  Blessing our animal companions honors how God touches humans through the creatures of God's creation.  

The first formal animal blessings were held in Rome in the early 20th century.  Since that time churches of many denominations have begun to lift up the special relationship humans have with their animals to recognize them as God's gift through a special blessing.