All Creatures Great and Small at special church service

All things bright and beautiful was very much the theme for an event with a difference on Sunday.

For St Mary’s Church Newton with Flowery Field held a special service just for pets.

Accompanied by their humans, an assortment of friendly dogs, a cat and even a tortoise popped up in the pews for the celebration.

The Rev Sheila O’Flaherty said the services were popular at the award-winning animal-friendly church and held generally twice a year.

“Our pets are a blessing to us, so this is an opportunity to thank the Lord for all God’s creatures. We’ve had quite an assortment of animals visit in the past, a snake, mice, rats and hamsters,” said the Hyde vicar, Priest in Charge at the church.

The service included hymns, prayers, readings and ultimately a blessing, with the Rev Sheila visiting the pews to bless each and everyone of the attendees. There was even an opportunity to remember pets that have passed.

Following the service the pets – and their supervisors – enjoyed tea and refreshments (and the odd dog biscuit) in the church hall.

A reminder that the church holds its ‘Grave Talk’ this Saturday, October 12, at 10am, also in the church hall.

The event is intended as an opportunity to openly discuss death, dying and funerals, and is for all denominations, traditions and those with doubts.

The discussion will take place in a relaxed cafe space with tea and cake on the menu.

For St Mary’s Church Newton with Flowery Field held a special service just for pets.

Accompanied by their humans, an assortment of friendly dogs, a cat and even a tortoise popped up in the pews for the celebration.

The Rev Sheila O’Flaherty said the services were popular at the award-winning animal-friendly church and held generally twice a year.

“Our pets are a blessing to us, so this is an opportunity to thank the Lord for all God’s creatures. We’ve had quite an assortment of animals visit in the past, a snake, mice, rats and hamsters,” said the Hyde vicar, Priest in Charge at the church.

The service included hymns, prayers, readings and ultimately a blessing, with the Rev Sheila visiting the pews to bless each and everyone of the attendees. There was even an opportunity to remember pets that have passed.

Following the service the pets – and their supervisors – enjoyed tea and refreshments (and the odd dog biscuit) in the church hall.

A reminder that the church holds its ‘Grave Talk’ this Saturday, October 12, at 10am, also in the church hall.

The event is intended as an opportunity to openly discuss death, dying and funerals, and is for all denominations, traditions and those with doubts.

The discussion will take place in a relaxed cafe space with tea and cake on the menu.