Join us as St. John’s Church and Hope United Church comes together for the Annual Pet Blessing Service at the Fountain City Park at 10:30am. Bring pet as we give thanks for all God’s creatures. The service will be followed by a potluck.

Pet Blessing services began as a way to honor Francis of Assi, who was known for his love of all God’s Creation, from animals to plants to the stars themselves. Stories tell of Francis preaching to attentive ravens, as well as convincing a wolf not to eat the citizens of a village. He is also known for the "Canticle of the Creatures", his work with the poor and lepers, and the founding of the Franciscan Order.

Pastor Deb will bless any animal. They must be in a crate/cage/similar closed container or on a leash/lead. This is for the safety of all the animals as well as people attending. Please also bring with you supplies to clean up any "offerings" you animal might make, though we will have few available.

If you don’t feel comfortable bringing your pet or animal, or they are too large to transport for the service, you are invited to bring something that represents them for blessing in their stead. This may be a collar, saddle, lead, blanket, or other item that you associate with your pet or animal. Pastor Deb will also bless any stuffed "animals" that a child might have if desired. There will be dog and cat treats available, as well as a potluck after. This will be the only service for this day for Hope United Church and St. John’s Church. Please join us for this special service celebrating the love our pets have for us, as well as all the creatures of Creation.

In 1957 St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church became St. John’s United Church of Christ as a result of a merger. The denominations of the Congregational Christian Church, along with Evangelical and Reformed Church joined to form United Church of Christ. UCC is a distinct and diverse community of Christians that came together as one church. They joined faith and actions and currently are over 5,000 churches with nearly one million members across the U.S. The UCC serves God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world. The UCC is a church of "firsts," a church of extravagant welcome, and a church where "…they may all be one".