St. John's UCC holds "blessing of pets" on Oct. 1
St. John's United Church of Christ, 223 West College Ave., Bluffton, will hold a blessing pets in the parking lot of the church on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. until noon, according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor.
"As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd - a procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony call the Blessing of Pets," she told The Icon.
"This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. Whose heart has not been warmed by the extravagant greeting of a pet after your hard day at work? Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature," added Rev. Clements.
Adding: "The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a person and his or her dog or cat are two creatures of love. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated, and so it is that St. John's takes pride in continuing this tradition of taking your special animal for a blessing."
Please have your animals on a leash on in a cage and enter from the Jackson Street side of the parking lot.
For more information, call the church at 419-358-5641.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, June 27, 2025
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Bluffton safety services respond to multi-vehicle accidents on I-75
- Travel opportunities update from Bluffton Senior Center
- Send July 2025 Community Calendar items to the Icon
- National Night Out is August 5, planning is in final stages
- Bluffton Senior Center activities schedule for July 2025
- Does your business have summer hours? Post them on the Icon
- Bluffton, Ohio ranks 4th in Ohio for bike network quality
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025
- Anna Marie Beagle taught at Allen East Elementary
- Noteworthy dress rehearsal and concert with potluck in Ada, June 23 and 29
- First Bluffton Art Walk provides a welcome outing on a rainy day
- Hardin County Commissioners send letter objecting to HB 335
- Duckie Cosplay underway at Bluffton Public Library
- Upcoming BPL events, June 23-28