MANCHESTER, NH – Brookside Congregational Church will hold a “Blessing of the Animals” service in the back garden of the church on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4 at 9:30 a.m. Blessings will be given by Rev. Laura Biddle, Pastor at Brookside Church. All pets and people are welcome and the service will be held indoors if it rains.
Brookside will also do a special collection of pet food and monetary donations benefitting the Second Chance Ranch Rescue. Learn more about Second Chance at https://www.
“This ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service is just another way Brookside Church is reaching out to our community. Animals are a special part of our family and bring us so much love and joy,” explained Rev. Laura Biddle, Pastor at Brookside Congregational Church. “Matthew 18:20 says, ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ So, bring your friends – canine, feline, and beyond – and join us as we celebrate all creatures great and small!”
The service will include songs, prayers, and then people will be invited to bring their animals forward for individual prayers of blessing.
For those folks with “less traditional” pets, or creatures who don’t take to travel, photos/drawings of pets are also welcome.
Please be aware of the recent strain of Canine Respiratory Virus hitting our area. You may want to keep dogs home out of an abundance of caution. If you bring a picture or drawing of your dog, we will bless and pray for them and all dogs for their protection and healing from this virus.
About Brookside Congregational Church
Brookside is an open and affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person. Located at 2013 Elm St. in the North End of Manchester, the church invites everyone to join in the common life and mission of reconciling community through participation and leadership in its congregation, and by fully sharing in the worship, rites and sacraments of the church. Brookside Congregational Church is a member of the United Church of Christ, the Hillsborough Association, the NH Conference, and United Church of Christ. For more information please visit http://www.brooksidecc.
