Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church and the Bryan County Bark Park are teaming up for another “Blessing of the Pets” on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The event will take place just outside the gates of the Bark Park, located at Henderson Park off Ga. Highway 144 and Capt. Matthew Freeman Drive.
Spirit of Peace Pastor Devin Strong will conduct the pet blessings. The church has previously conducted pet blessing events that have been popular and drew sizeable crowds. It has become something of a tradition enjoyed by the church’s team and area pet owners.
“Pets are truly part of our families. The genuine love our pets have for us and our kids, it withstands the tests of time. These loyal members of our families are one of God’s greatest blessings,” Strong said.
Over the last two years, many pets have experienced dramatic changes in their daily routines. With an increased number of people working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pets have benefited from more quality time with their humans. The pastor encourages pet owners to acknowledge the value placed on the companionship of furry family members and the comfort they’ve provided during an anxious and worrisome time.
“The faithful service, loyalty and genuine happiness that our pets deliver day in and day out deserve to be celebrated. Certainly, they’ve earned a little time to come play with their four-legged friends and partake of some special treatment while their families enjoy the safely distanced company of other animal-loving folks,” Strong said.
All pets are welcome as long as they are even-tempered and not averse to crowds. Spirit of Peace will provide free treats for dogs and bottled water for their human companions.
Leashes are not needed inside the fenced areas of the Bark Park, but pets should be on a leash as they’re being escorted to and from vehicles and the park. All pet owners are asked to clean up after their pets.
Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy. For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.
The Bark Park strives to provide a clean and well-maintained environment for all responsible dog owners in the community, where dogs can safely play and socialize off-leash. Since its inception as a registered nonprofit in 2012, the Bark Park’s success has been ensured by the support of community volunteers, sponsors and the Bryan County Department of Parks and Recreation. To learn more about the Bark Park, visit www.bryanbarkpark.com.