Grace Lutheran Church To Hold Blessing Of The Pets Service

It’s that time of the year again when Grace Lutheran Church of Lakewood puts up a big white tent on their front lawn and holds activities and services to serve the community in the Name of Jesus Christ. In years past, the congregation has hosted a three-day evangelistic crusade, but this year they are trying something a little bit different. Instead of being a blessing to people only, they will seek to be a blessing to people’s pets as well.  The Greater Lakewood Community is cordially invited to come to a Blessing of the Pets service on Tuesday, June 25th at 7 PM under the tent. Grace Lutheran Church is located across the street from Madison Park at 13030 Madison Avenue. All animals are welcome! The Rev. George Hansell, Pastor of Grace, requests that the owners please ask their animal companions to be well-behaved.

The Blessing of Animals has long been a tradition in the Christian Church, normally celebrated in the Fall on or near October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, whose fondness and kindness to animals was legendary. Pastor Hansell is known in his congregation as being particularly fond of dogs, though he is the owner of two cats. He looks forward to blessing any furry, finny, scaly, or feathery creature that comes under the tent. Our human friends are asked to bring a free-will offering of pet food for a local animal shelter.

In addition to the Blessing of the Pets service, the congregation will be participating in the Lakewood community yard sale on Thursday June 27th and Saturday June 29th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will go towards purchasing school supplies for the students of Garfield Middle School. On Thursday, June 27th, free health screenings will be offered complements of University Hospital from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Friday, June 28th, the community is invited to come under the tent at 7 p.m. for a Bunco Party. Light refreshments will be offered.

As part of its 10th Anniversary Celebration, the congregation will be offering a Community Worship Service and Picnic under the tent at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30th. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information on any of the activities planned by the congregation, contact Pastor Hansell at Grace Lutheran Church at 216-221-4959.

George Hansell

Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church since October 31, 2004. Married 31 years to Krista. Son Christopher is a Lutheran elementary school teacher in Bay City, Michigan. Daughter Jennifer will receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University in June 2010.

Read More on Religion
Volume 9, Issue 13, Posted 11:03 PM, 06.26.2013