Blessing of the Animals service brings in the community

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In the heart of Petaluma, California, a town steeped in agricultural history, First Presbyterian Church has found a unique way to connect with its community: through a yearly Blessing of the Animals service. “Not only are animals a significant part of the history of our town, but the animals that we spend time with are a huge part of people’s lives,” said the church’s pastor, the Rev. John Chase.

The inspiration for the Blessing of the Animals service stemmed from Chase’s desire to incorporate more of people’s lives outside of Sunday morning into meaningful experiences within the church’s worship. “We are trying to find ways to bring Monday through Saturday into what happens on Sunday morning,” he said.

At First Presbyterian Church in Petaluma, the initial service three years ago was held outdoors. But the congregation realized that an indoor setting would provide a more intimate and meaningful experience for both animals and their owners.

So, the second year the service was held inside — even though there was the risk of potential “accidents” happening, dogs barking, or other unexpected occurrences. The sanctuary became a welcoming space for a variety of creatures, from dogs and chickens to even a chinchilla.

“Last year and this year, I was surprised that we had people attend from the community who had never been to church before,” Chase said. For FPC Petaluma, the service has become a great way to engage authentically with the broader community.

The Blessing of the Animals service has become a deeply meaningful experience for the congregation. It offers a chance to honor the love and companionship that animals provide, and to express gratitude for their presence in our lives. As Chase explains, “The animals we spend time with are often our primary companions, and they bring us great joy and comfort.”

The service includes a special blessing for the animals, where humans and animals come forward together to receive the blessing. For those pets who might not be able to travel to attend the service in person, their humans have the option of bringing in a photo of the animal to be blessed. “If someone brings a photo of their dog on their phone because the dog can’t travel it shows how much it is valued — these animals in our lives are gifts from God,” Chase said. The service serves as a reminder that animals are part of God’s Creation and that all of Creation is God’s.

For other congregations that might be considering such a service, Chase has some practical advice. “Make sure that you set clear expectations,” he said. “There might be some messes to clean up, there might be barking during the hymns, and keep the service on the shorter side.” Additionally, he advises considering the hospitality practices we use for people and then determining what those might look like for animals — perhaps not a lot of drums or music that might make them uneasy and perhaps a water dish and treats at the door.

“If you are going to host a service like this, make sure to get the word out to the community, publicly — don’t limit it to just your congregation,” Chase said. For people in the community who have pets, it is easy for them to say, “I can come to a service like this — if I am going to be preached at, it is probably going to be that God loves my dog and I can handle that,” Chase said.

Chase offered a moving benediction to end the service.

“O God, you have made us and these animals and all living things. You are even more wonderful than the things you have made. We thank you for giving us these companions who give us joy. As you take care of us, so also we ask that you help us to take care of the animals who trust us and look to us for care. By doing this, we share in your own love for all Creation. Accept our thanks and praise.”

Erin Dunigan for the Presbyterian Foundation, Special to Presbyterian News Service

Let us join in prayer for:

Terri Bowman, Customer Service Representative, Hubbard Press, Administrative Services Group (A Corp) 

Jeff and Christi Boyd, Mission co-workers serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray:

God of challenge and opportunity, help us to demonstrate to all the many ways in which we are called to make a difference. Assist us in bringing the good news and bringing opportunities to share that good news with others. Amen.