At Grace Lutheran, all
people are welcome, and blessed by God. Once a year, we welcome animals of all
kinds! In jest and in seriousness,
Pastor Lura Groen agreed to bless dogs, cats, elephants, geckos imaginary
puppies, sour dough starter, and chia pets.
On October 20th,
Grace members, friends, and neighbors gathered in Lamar Park with our animal
companions. People brought dogs, one
brave cat, a hamster, and pictures of animals unable to be present with
us. We celebrated a brief worship
service, praising God with all creation, renewing our promises to care for the
earth and all creatures on it, and then prayed for the pets with us and in our
hearts. Each animal received a blessing
from Pastor Lura, thanking God for them, their love for their human, and asking
God’s protections upon them. 
Pastor Lura and Grace
members enjoyed the beautiful weather in the park for another hour, offering
blessings to animals and humans who passed by.
Pastor Lura returned home
covered in doggy kisses, and wondering who had truly blessed who.
