Pets’ Thanksgiving and Fun Afternoon in Ulverstone

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 the friendship of 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 to this year’s event, 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 a little over 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. Upcoming Christmas events, and Christianity Explained courses were promoted, and participants and owners received a certificate of attendance and individual prayer. Then we moved outside where the fun continued.

The Lord blessed us with a fine, calm day (after wind last year, and the threat of rain). 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 sit still while the Chicken 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

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