Albion church gives pets a blessing
ALBION – The Albion First Baptist held its 2nd Annual Pet Blessing and outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. this past Sunday. Each pet in attendance received an individual blessing. And people attending the worship service were invited to take a goodie bag home to share with the pets in their lives.
A candle was lit in memory of all pets who passed away in the last year, and prayers were lifted up for all of God’s creatures and the people working to protect His creation. A special offering during the service raised $34 for P.A.W.S., a local animal shelter.
“Animals and people live and work side-by-side every day,” said the Rev. Aleka Schmidt, the church pastor. “It just makes sense to honor that special relationship and to thank God for the lives of our treasured companions and family members.”
The church hopes to expand its service next year to include pets and their people from across our community.
Danna DuSett brought two granddaughters and her Black Lab, Xena for a special blessing of the animals at the First Baptist Church on Sunday. Aleka Schmidt, the church pastor, is at left.
Prym and Danielle Schmidt, the pastor’s daughter, rode in the back of a mini van for the short trip from Batt’s W.A.R.M. B. Acres on the Gaines Road to the church at the corner of Park and Liberty Street.
The Schmidt family’s dog, Sheila, enjoyed an extra snuggle with her people while receiving a blessing from Pastor Aleka.
