The Blessing of Pets
News
By Fred KoenigSome people who might be reluctant to accept an invitation to church will come for the benefit of their loved ones, even when those loved ones aren’t human. When Broadway UMC in Plattsburg had its “Blessing of the Pets” service recently, there were a lot of people from the community who were at the church for the first time.
“Most of the people who came were from outside our church,” said Pastor Crystal Karr. “We had it outside, because going into a church building is a barrier for some people.”
The church doesn’t have much space outside, but the police blocked off the alley so they would have plenty of room. About 20 pets participated in the service, which was a condensed version of the pet blessing service from the book of worship. A local veterinarian assisted with the service.
“Some people told me they were coming for their pets, not for themselves,” Karr said.