Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 5th will mark Southern Hills UMC’s (Lexington) third annual Blessing of the Animals service. The gathering, led by Rev. Jill Ruhl, offers a worship opportunity celebrating God’s good creation and allows church members a chance to share their non-human family members with their church community.
Traditionally, Blessing of the Animals services have been held in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all of God’s creatures. Southern Hills’ celebration will include not just animal blessings, but also special music by a children’s group, games for children, and tasty treats for people and their critters. In the first two years, Rev. Ruhl blessed dozens of dogs, one brave cat, guinea pigs, gold fish, a hermit crab, a horse, and even a plastic dinosaur…