Held Each Spring
during our Sunday Morning Service
|
|
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
— Anatole France
Why bless the animals?
When we bless something, we focus our attention on the perfection that God put into it when God created it. When we bless what is good in our lives we increase it by adding our positive energy to the positive energy that is already a part of it. Blessing increases the positive and loving flow of every good thing that exists in our Universe.
|
When and where is the blessing held?
Right here at Unity of Greater Lansing, inside our Sanctuary or, if we have a large attendance, next door in the large grassy area between our building and the Armory Building. It's held on a Sunday morning in the spring, during May or June. ALL kinds of animals are welcome, whether furry, shaggy, scaly, or feathered.
|
Who is served by a "Blessing of the Animals"?
Animals are an extension of our human families. They're very much loved by their owners. Many people fuss over their pets in the same way they do their children and are very upset when their animals become ill or make their transition. By honoring the significance of these special family members, we provide joy and comfort to their owners - and the pets benefit as well. Owners have reported that the blessing drew forth more loving behavior in their pets. Specific physical healings are also talked about. One cat owner tells us that her cats don’t get fleas as long if they're blessed each year. Another reported that her dog stopped snoring after it was blessed!
|
Must the animals be leashed?
It's amazing how well the animals get along together in this special setting, but we do encourage pet owners to bring their pets in carriers or on leashes. It assures the owners that nothing is going to startle the animal and cause it to run away into the neighborhood.
|
Must pets be present to be blessed?
Absolutely not! We bless "remotely." This means the pet owner may bring a picture of their pet(s) and we recognize each photo as though it were the animal itself.
How does the ceremony work?
In a Sunday Service that's usually shorter in time, we sing animal-related songs and enjoy our pets. Our ceremony begins with a Bible reading from Genesis I:26 and from Genesis 6:18-21. Each animal is recognized by our minister and then blessed by the congregation for a “Long Life, Good Health and a Happy Home.” We can’t explain why the animals wait patiently for their blessing, but it is amazing to watch. Pictures are taken and each pet receives a special treat with a prayer to take home with them (some of them eat their treats before they leave!) |
 |
W.hat are the benefits of the blessing?
Blessing pets brings comfort to the animal owners in our congregation because it's supportive of something that is dear to them and important to their way of life. Animals help to create community by introducing animal-lovers to other animal-lovers and helping them find a common ground. Our pet blessing event fosters intergenerational communion, attracting visitors in strollers, wheelchairs, on bicycles, on foot and on walkers, in trucks, cars and on motorcycles.
|
Blessing one animal changes the Universal consciousness of the planet toward all animals in a positive way. God, as Creator, loves the animals! In the Biblical allegory of Noah and the Ark, it is clear that God provided for the blessing of many, many animals--beside people! |
How can I get involved?
Volunteer to serve on our Pet Ministry Team that organizes this event each year. A signup sheet is circulated about two months before the blessing.
|
