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National Association of Congregational Christian Churches,  P.O. Box 288, Oak Creek, WI  53154
414-764-1620 
Email: naccc@naccc.org   Web Site: http://www.naccc.org

REACHING A PERSON’S HEART THROUGH THEIR PET

What is the most unusual Worship Service your church had this past year? Ours was the Blessing of the Animals. It began when some well-meaning person left a newspaper article on the subject in the Pastor’s mailbox. The Pastor gallantly set a date in September, and reserved a park across the street. The Roman Catholic date is October 4, but even September proved too cold for New England. We should have held it in June, July, or August.
Publicity went out on the Church sign, as well as through posters and public service announcements. Next year we will advertise at veterinary clinics, animal rescue centers, pet stores, kennels, and pet grooming facilities.

There are several good liturgies on the internet, and many Bible passages about animals. Their creation is described in Genesis 1:20-2:22. God made covenants with animals (Genesis 9:8-17; Hosea 2:18-3:1). “All Creatures of our God and King,” “If I were a Butterfly” and “All Things Bright and Beautiful” provided the music.
 
Doggy treats, cat snacks, bird seed, and apples for every other kind of animal were the refreshments. We also had special gift tags that said, “God loves my cat.”

The day of the service was greeted with humor and trepidation. Nine animals showed up, as did one reporter, who gave great press. After the initial barks and growls, each pet with owner settled into a spot on the grass, and behaved well throughout the 30-minute service.

Instead of having the animals line up and come forward for a blessing, the minister walked around bestowing a “sprinkling of holy water.” One cat owner laughed as she watched her pet get “baptized” (her words, not mine). “Holy cow” takes on new meaning after a service like this!
 
Some church members did not attend the service because they thought it was pointless. But a community member was sitting in a restaurant eating breakfast when she saw the poster and hurried to bring her dog. Another brought his dog that Sunday and has been attending Church regularly ever since. He is now joining the Church, and people have asked if the dog is joining too. “Why not?” others reply.
 
Next year we plan to offer photographing, and we may add a petting zoo.
There is a proverb that you can reach a man’s heart through his stomach. Blessing of the Animals showed that you can reach a person’s heart through a pet.

Rev. Dr. Lori Wiley is Pastor of Northfield-Tilton Congregational Church in Tilton, New Hampshire. For a copy of the Order of
Worship, Liturgy, or newspaper article, contact her at
character@juno.com.

Thank you to the many leaders and friends of the NA for sending Christmas greetings to our staff. The cards, notes, and gifts were much appreciated. We are blessed to be working with all of you!

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