Blessing of the Animals

In honor of St. Francis's feast day, the First Church of Christ, UCC of West Hartford will hold an afternoon service: "Blessing of the Animals", on Sunday October 5th at 4 p.m. Held on the front lawn of the church, the service will be lead by Rev. Geordie Campbell and Rev. Susan Izard. The service is open to the public who are asked to have dogs on leashes and cats and smaller animals in pet carriers. First Church is at 12 South Main Street, on the corner of Farmington Ave. and South Main Street in West Hartford Center. According to Rev. Izard, Pastor of Spiritual Life, "St. Francis is the Patron Saint of animals because he believed all living creatures were valuable and good. This is a much loved alternative worship time, in which members, friends and neighbors are invited to bring their pets to be blessed. It is one of the ways that we celebrate the diversity of God's creation. Our Youth Group will be volunteering (from 3:30-5:30 pm) and helping host hospitality. For more information contact First Church - 233-9605. www.whfirstchurch.org.