On Sunday 24th September, people and animals joined together in our ancient building for our Pet Service. During this now annual service during the season of Creationtide, we bring our companion animals into church for a blessing. Revd Emily Sharman returned to All Saints to lead the service, to preach on pets and God's love, and to bless each animal. 

We had lots of dogs and even a couple of tortoises, young and old. Cats are harder to transport so their owners brought in photographs of them instead for a blessing. Many other pets' names were written down and placed on the altar. All were blessed. It was a joyous occasion, with lots of excited dogs and beaming owners!

Numbers of both pets and people were up compared to last year, as the message is spreading as to just how lovely this service is. It is a wonderful reminder, as Emily told us, of the love of God that the unconditional love of our pets hints at, and that we are just part of God's amazing creation.