We gave thanks for the creatures we love at the Blessing of the Animals at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church on October 7, 2017. This outdoor worship service shared fellowship and celebrated the love that God has for us and for all creation. Amidst yips, woofs and purrs, we worshipped with our furry and human friends. Dogs and their owners bowed heads in prayer as we gave thanks for the animals and the love that makes our lives special.

Our furry, feathered and scaled friends, we greet you. You come from the same Creator that we do. We pray that your days will be filled with love and whatever else you desire. May your tummy always be full and may you always have a place to rest. We pray you may have many days of love with your human friends. May you play together and work together in gentleness and respect for one another. May our God’s abundant blessings rest upon these creatures who will be companions for us in the journey of life.

The Lantz family delighted so many by bringing their horses Oreo and Dancer to our fields. It was a tail-wagging, tail-swishing good time!
Not all furry friends could make the trek to church, so as our priests made the rounds for pet blessings, they shared photos of their pets who could not come or who were lovingly remembered. Stuffed animals were blessed, too, celebrating the love that children have for them. Some folks took advantage of our drive-through pet blessings.
Many owners agreed that their pets need all the blessings they can get!
See more photos of our outdoor worship and pet blessing in this flickr gallery; click or swipe through below.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stmartinkellertx/albums/72157687707811094