Submitted by Kari Leone Irani, Zion Lutheran Church
WOODVILLE, WI – Zion Lutheran Church will be holding its 3rd annual “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday October 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. on the south lawn of the church, 221 Lockwood, Woodville, Wisconsin.
All are welcome to attend with their fur (or other pet) family members for a blessing. Pastor Ben Nelson will lead the inspiring church service with Judy Veenendaal on piano.
There will also be special music that will be led by Jill Boston, with the Sunday School children. There will be fun activities with a petting zoo, fishpond, and face painting.
365 BBQ Food Truck will be on hand to satisfy hungry appetites. Moving live music will be provided by, John Terkelsen, Jill Boston, David Leon, Jerry Hovde and Bob Hovde.
A beautiful handmade quilt with gift basket will be auctioned with proceeds going to support a local animal shelter.
This celebration with the Blessing of the Animals is in observance of St Fransis of Assis, the patron Saint of the environment and animals. Annually now, on or around October 4, Christians worldwide celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis with a blessing of animals and prayers for creation.
Francis is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of the fourth of October, which became World Animal Day.
In case of rain the service will be moved to our fellowship hall. All are Welcome!
