Staff Report

Batesville Presbyterian Church will hosting its fifth annual Blessing of the Animals Service, a ceremony of thanksgiving for all God’s creatures, this Sunday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m. on the back lawn of the church.

During this event, participants will offer thanks to God for their pets and animals, which bring them so much joy and comfort. In addition, those in attendance will ask for God’s help in caring for the lives of these special creatures and ensuring their health and safety. 

“As part of God’s creation, we share a common responsibility for the well-being of one another, including our pets and animals,” said Rev. Jerry Long, pastor of Batesville Presbyterian.

“Through our role as guardian of these animals, God calls us each day to care for them with the same love that Christ has shown to us.”

The pastor said the special service “will remind each of us of our responsibility to these special friends as we celebrate in this time of thanksgiving and blessing for their gift of blessing to us.”

All individuals and families interested in attending are encouraged to bring their dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, turtles, hamsters, fish and more to the back lawn of the church to receive a special blessing from the pastor.

If your pet is unable to attend, owners can bring a photo for a blessing.

Batesville Presbyterian Church is located at 121 Eureka Street.

“For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.  I know all the birds  of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.”  Psalm 50:10-11