Blessing Of The Animals, Plus Baked Goods And Jewelry Sale At New Utrecht Reformed Church
Erica Sherman -
Bless this doggy! Photo by Erica ShermanThere will be a baked goods and jewelry sale this Saturday, September 6 at 12:00pm outside of New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Avenue between 83rd Street and 84th Street, followed by guest pastor EJ Emerson delivering the annual Blessing of the Animals at 2:00 p.m.“Like Francis of Assisi and many others, Pastor EJ takes particular delight in animals of all kinds, believing they are God’s special gift to people,” a press release reads. “Our pets bless and care for us with unqualified love and faithfulness. They’re a source of great joy. This is our opportunity to thank God and to invite a special blessing for them.”According to the release, pets of all shapes and sizes are welcome, as long as they are polite in public and adequately restrained for their own safety and that of others. Human companions are also requested to be prepared to clean up any droppings their pet may deposit on the property.The blessing is free to all. Proceeds from the baked goods and jewelry sale will go to the restoration fund for the church sanctuary, which was built in 1828-1829.