Submitted by David Leon, Zion Lutheran Church
WOODVILLE, WI – It was a “Windy and Wonderful” day for the Third Annual “Blessing of the Animals” service at Zion Lutheran Church on October 6, 2024. Pastor Ben Nelson presided over the service where many families and their “fur family” members attended.
“Kenny” the bull calf with his best friend “Dale” the sheep, provided a lot of hugs for all to enjoy, thanks to Doug and DaNell Jamieson for sharing them to receive a blessing!
The Zion Sunday School Kids along with Jill Boston gave an enthusiastic performance of “He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands.”
365 BBQ Food Truck served delicious options for all to enjoy while listening to the “Zion” band (John Terkelsen, Jill Boston, Jerry Hovde, David Leon, and Bob Hovde) with music for all to enjoy.
The day was a celebration for the life and mission of ST Francis of Assis. 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.
