Conway First United Methodist Church hosts annual Blessing of the Animals

By Colleen Holt

All creatures great and small were among those attending the Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 2, at Conway First United Methodist Church.

Each year on or around the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, which is Oct. 4, the church invites all in the community and their pets to stop by the parking lot for a blessing.

Sven Walter (right) enjoyed meeting new friends at his ninth Blessing of the Animals event. Photos courtesy of First United Methodist Church-Conway.

“In many faith traditions, St. Francis is the patron of all living creatures and for many the first saintly ecologist who saw in nature and creation the work and beauty of God,” said Jason Saugey, director of music and worship ministries at the church.

Hosted by the Children’s Music Ministry, the event included a hymn accompanied by members of the Joyful Ringers children’s chime choir and the unison recitation of the Prayer of St. Francis. Then the fun began, as the animals and their human family members took the time to be blessed, visit with each other and even take home a treat for later in the day.

Jennifer Boone and her Great Dane, Rider, met Carolina Segales and her gerbil, Johannes.

Four blessing stations were available, including a drive-through option for those pets with social anxiety. Pet treats were also passed out. Those blessing the animals were the Rev. Michael Roberts, senior pastor; the Rev. Dede Roberts, executive pastor; the Rev. Lynn McClure; and Stuart Holt, associate director of music and praise band director.

Animals ranged in size from a gerbil named Johannes to a Great Dane named Rider. There were the usual dogs and cats of all ages, a box full of turtles and several guinea pigs — including a pair dressed in gorgeous clothes and another pair named after TV icons Lenny and Squiggy. One family is currently without a pet but brought their stuffed animals for a blessing and to allow the kids to check out all the pets of their friends. Photos of pets who were unable to attend were also blessed.

At least one dog was on his ninth blessing! Sven, the companion animal of the Walter family of Conway, always loves getting blessed. His family said that he enjoys meeting new friends at the annual event.

It was a particularly big weekend for Oreo, a 5-year-old cocker spaniel who lives with the Mathis family. Oreo was adopted from an animal shelter and welcomed to his new home on Oct. 1 and came to his first blessing event on Oct. 2. In addition to his human family members, Oreo has a dog brother named Barkley.

The annual event was a blessing to all who attended.