In the '90s, I enjoyed attending an annual event at the downtown Fountain Street Church, if only to see who would show up. The occasion? The Blessing of the Beasts, where you might be seated next to a yapping dog the size of a teacup, or a giant bird perched on an equally colorful woman. It was delightful to see in a service devoted to instructing a new generation of children on the importance of respecting animals that, as Karen Carpenter sang many years ago, "have no voice."
In an era of increased awareness -- from my vegan friends concerned about factory farming, to the billion dollar industry created by pet owners across the country -- it was only a matter of time before I would get another invite to a Blessing of the Beasts, and in setting quite different than a traditional church.
For the third Blessing of the Beasts service presented by the Genesis United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids, Pastor Sue Petro is taking her program on the road and into the Cascade Township Recreation Park.
The added space will allow them to accommodate the growing number of pets (and kids) who attend this annual affair, and to do so in a more natural setting, further enriching the experience.
In the past, people have brought their dogs, cats, fish, a corn snake, hamsters, hermit crabs, and even stuffed teddy bears.
"This year, I hear rumors of a bearded dragon, baby goats, and maybe even an appearance by a baby skunk," says Pastor Petro. "One never knows, but this congregation likes to get creative."
In addition to getting creative, Genesis will be asking attendees to consider bestowing a blessing in the form of a donation to their featured animal charity this year, the Lowell Farm and Wildlife Refuge Center, who will have a petting zoo featuring their rescued animals at the event. The Center has published a list of supplies on the
Genesis website that they are hoping the public can help them collect on this special day.
When asked if there were any more surprises in store for the day, Pastor Petro says, "I have yet to confirm an appearance by St. Francis." That would be a true miracle!
For fans of nostalgia, here is
a link to Karen Carpenter's video to get you in the mood, complete with YouTube friendly animal footage from the '70s. For animal lovers, it's hard not to swoon.
Admission: Free, but remember to bring a lawn chair if you wish to have a seat during the service. Just a reminder: animals should be on a leash or under the control of the attendee.