Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Need to set up your free e-Newspaper all-access account? click here.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Register to comment
Click here create a free account for posting comments.
Note that free accounts do not include access to premium content on this site.
I am anchor
RELIGION
Church celebrates animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
Submitted photo/Roberta Lundin
A Blessing of the Animals event is 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in the courtyard of Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd.
Posted
The community is invited to attend a Blessing of the Animals 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in the courtyard of Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W. Meeker Blvd.
The event commemorates the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals who was known for his love of animals and allegedly even preached to birds. Owners using their own cell phones can have a photo taken with their pet and Saint Francis himself.
All pets are welcome and must be on a leash or otherwise contained. They will be blessed by a Shepherd of the Hills pastor and will receive a certificate of blessing. If a pet is physically unable to attend, his/her human may bring a photograph to be blessed and will also take home the certificate of blessing.
A memorial fountain will offer quiet reflection for those who have lost a pet. Colored stones can be tossed into the fountain as pets are remembered for their faithfulness and love. Decorated cards with a prayer and a place for a photo of a beloved companion will be available to take home as a special keepsake.
There will be a kiosk with pictures of animals who are waiting to be adopted into a loving forever home. In addition, information about local establishments offering services for pet care will be available.
Pets and their masters are invited to bring donations of pet food and supplies which will be distributed to local animal shelters and to food banks for pets of families with limited resources.
