Don’t be surprised to see a gathering of creatures great and small at Wesley Uniting Church Castle Hill on Sunday, 29th September.
All pet owners are being invited to join the 9.30am morning service at Wesley on Showground Road with either their pet or photograph of their pet for the special annual service.
It will be the third Pet Blessing service at the church. Wesley Uniting Church Minister Rev Carmel Ieraci has held animal blessings in both in Australia and in the UK while serving as a Minister and says animal blessings are an important expression of the Christian faith.
The Blessing of the Animals is connected with the Season of Creation and the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, which honours animals.
This year Rev Carmel will be joined by Wesley’s new Worship, Creative and Performing Arts Pastor, Abbey Sim who plans to bring her dog Lucy to the service.
Abbey said: “We want to be a church which puts into practice our value of the natural world, the environment and, of course, animals. For many people in the Hills community, pets form a valuable part of their families.
“Lucy has played a significant role in our family over the past 11 years. We are very grateful to have her and still have her with us at her age. Before Lucy we had two rescue cats who lived until they were 19 – a black and white brother and sister named Quattro and Panda.
“Pets bring so much joy into our lives and can provide a real sense of companionship and love in increasingly busy and isolated lives.”
Abbey, who has an Honours degree in zoological fiction, said: “I love interacting with and caring for animals as they remind me that life doesn’t have to be quite so complicated.“
Abbey has lived in the Hills her entire life and has joined Wesley Castle Hill from Leichhardt Uniting Church where she spent three years.
“I am energised by creativity as an expression of spirituality and community,” she said. All dogs, cats and small animals are welcome to the Pet Blessing Service on Sunday, September 29th which starts at 9.30am.
If your pet is unable to be at church or you are worried about bringing them, bring a photo or soft toy. There is even the opportunity to come dressed as your pet.
All dogs must remain on leads and small animals in their appropriate carriers during the service, to ensure that people and pets remain safe and well throughout the service and their time at church.
Wesley Uniting Church is at 32 Showground Road Castle Hill. For more information visit the Wesley website at wesleycastlehill.org.au or call the office 9894 8999 which is open Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm.
