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.