Thank God for pets
Pets were generally well-behaved at the Ulverstone Pets Thanksgiving and Fun Afternoon. Photo John Tongue
Snake Man meets Chicken Man in Ulverstone
What do a chicken, a python, a donkey, a bald cockatoo, a dog and a guinea pig have in common?
They all found their way to the second Pets Thanksgiving and Fun Afternoon in Ulverstone on Sunday, 26 October.
Parishioners, members of other churches, wider community members, and even 'people off the street', came to give thanks to God for their pets and to celebrate his love to us all. Gayelene Harrower and Jean and Arthur Wherrett were able to make it with the donkeys, having been blocked by horse flu last year, and the beautiful Jake and Bonnie were a hit with young and old.
A brief 'service' was held in the church, with 100+ people, 23 dogs, two donkeys, one bald cockatoo, one lorikeet, one guinea pig, and one goldfish. While most managed to cross their legs and 'hold on', there was certainly plenty of noise!
We sang, heard about the donkeys, read from the Bible, and prayed prayers of thanksgiving. Christmas events, and Christianity Explained courses were promoted, and participants and owners received a certificate of attendance and individual prayer. Then the fun continued outside.
The Lord blessed us with a fine, calm day this year. The Snake Man visited with a couple of pythons for people to pat; there was fairy floss and toffee, jumping castles and face painting, giant bubbles, and 'Celebrate Jesus' balloons. Afternoon tea was served, a singer entertained, and the donkey-rides were a great hit with young and old alike.
Passing cars busily waved and honked their horns, and a number of passers-by came and joined in the fun. The visiting Chicken Man even managed to convince a very embarrassed Jake the Donkey to stand still while Chicken Man sat on his back!
A wonderful family event, which we trust the Lord will continue to use to challenge and encourage people to consider his involvement in their lives.
John Tongue Rector, Holy Trinity, Uverstone