Date: 06 October 2022
There was barking, purring, squeaking, chirping and possibly even a little slithering at churches in Badshot Lea and Hale last weekend, as the parish held a pet service at each of its three churches on Sunday (October 2nd).
Companion animals of all shapes and sizes were welcome at St John’s, Hale, at 9.30am, St George’s, Badshot Lea, at 10am and St Mark’s, Upper Hale, at 11am.
The Revd Stella Wiseman, a minster in the parish said, “These are services to celebrate our pets and ask for God’s blessing on them. October 2nd is the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. He was known for his love of and care for animals and is often depicted with them.”
“Our pets bring us great joy and are part of God’s creation. We want to celebrate them and give thanks for everything they give us. For many people having a pet is an enormous comfort and can help our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. They can also be great companions, especially to people who are on their own,” says Stella.
The services were expected to be chaotic but great fun.
“For anyone who doesn’t want to bring their pet, but still wants to celebrate them and have them blessed just bring along a photo. Children are welcome to bring toy pets and come dressed as animals too,” she says.
Meanwhile, St Michael’s Camberley has been enjoying a taste of the high Andes mountains with the visit of three alpacas at their recent pet service.
"All the dogs were very well behaved and it was lovely to gather and celebrate what our companion animals mean to us,” says former vet Pippa Ford, now vicar of St Michael’s.
“Animals are a very important part of my ministry here as I used to be a vet, but also because they are such a good way of connecting with the local community,” she says.
The service was even more special as the parish had canceled a long planned pet show the weekend before, as a mark of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth.
The alpacas will make a return to St Michael’s, when three of them will appear at the Epiphany service in January.