At 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, September 15, the Reverends Dr. Laura Rose and Lacey Hunter were busy making last-minute preparations for a unique service at the First Congregational Church of Alameda (FCCA). Out in the congregation, creatures great and small gathered with their owners. Some snuggled in laps and arms while others, more adventurous, sniffed, barked, and tugged at leashes. Some were in carriers. Children carried beloved plushie pets. To one side, framed photos graced a rainbow bridge memorial for past pets. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, all were gathered for a Blessing of the Animals in the Phillips Academy courtyard next to FCCA’s historic church.
Years ago, FCCA’s worship team conceived of the annual event, open to the community, to celebrate the divine gift of unconditional love bestowed by animal companions. Referencing zoologist Jane Goodall, Rev. Laura said, “You cannot share your life in a meaningful way with an animal and not know that we are not the only sentient and sapient beings on the planet.”
Early in the service, Rev. Laura invited congregation members to speak the names of their beloved animals. “Chunky! Priscilla! Pepper! Franny! Jumper! Hogey!” These and many other names were called out.
Then she asked the congregation to call out words describing the blessings these animals bestowed. Heartwarming responses included, “Love. Joy. Play. Welcome. Being present. Nurture. Teaching me to rest. Companionship. Kisses in the morning. Cuddles in the evening. Someone to walk with. Lap-warming. No judgment. Floor-cleaning. Smiles. Snuggles.”
Congregation members shared stories. Holding a picture of her four dogs, FCCA member Anne noted, “I love a little production when I come home, and my dogs provide that. I take that with joy.” FCCA member Neil said of a dog he and his partner rescued, “We may have rescued Boots, but he blessed us with so much more.” He spoke lovingly of Boots’ goofiness interspersed with Zen peacefulness. Referencing FCCA’s customary welcome message, Rev. Laura concluded, “The wisdom that animals teach us is that no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
Rev. Lacey held a children’s time, asking the children why animals were important to them. One answered, “Without bumble bees, we wouldn’t have fruit and flowers and food.” Another said his pet helps him to be brave. A teen said his dog had saved people in his family through emotional support. FCCA member Russ followed children’s time with a playful folk song, “All God’s Critters,” that got everyone up, singing and moving.
Special guest speaker Amanda McNair, Animal Care Director for Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), emphasized the importance of community support for FAAS initiatives, such as the Healthy Pets, Healthy People program, which provides pet food and vaccines for low-income residents. “We’re moving away from just housing animals to keeping animals out of the shelter. Our goal is to keep pets with people, where they belong,” McNair said. To emphasize her point, Rocky Road, a dog available for adoption, stood by her while she spoke. Rocky Road eagerly looked out at the congregation, playfully tugging at his leash.
McNair noted that FAAS is opening a new spay/neuter facility on Bay Farm by the end of the year. “This is huge,” she said. “Access to veterinary care is limited, not just for the community, but also for shelters. We will be able to provide surgeries for our animals and other rescues in the area.” She noted that most of FAAS’s work is funded through donations and thanked the congregation for the collection taken to support their work.
Clearly, all present saw animals as sacred and deserving of as much spiritual care as they provide. In that spirit, the service concluded with owners bringing their pets or photos of pets to be blessed by FCCA ministers or lay leaders, and each received a blessing card. Some held back tears during the ritual.
“Do animals have souls?” Rev. Laura asked. “Do they love unconditionally? Do they gaze into the soul and dig in the dirt? Yes, they do. And yes, they have souls. We can judge a person’s character by how they treat an animal.”
FCCA’s next community event celebrates Día De Los Muertos on Sunday, October 27, at 10:30 am. The sanctuary will open on the Friday and Saturday beforehand (October 25-26) for ofrenda (altar) building. People from every background are invited to experience the blessing of remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed by bringing photos and personal items symbolic of their lives to create ofrendas.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.
