Michelle Taylor’s Main Coon cat, Henry, is blessed by UMC Pastor Meghan Lindsey, assisted by Taylor’s son, Carson. | Barbara Ball
WINNSBORO – A dozen or so pet owners gathered in a grassy yard outside the Winnsboro First United Methodist Church Sunday afternoon for a Blessing of the Animals. There to receive the blessings were two rabbits, three cats and six dogs.
The ceremony, led by the church’s new pastor, Meghan (Meg) Lindsey, focused on the animals as Gods creations.
After addressing some of the many references to animals in the Bible, Lindsey said, “animals share in Christ’s redemption of all God’s creation,” and invoked God’s blessing on the animals.
Assisted by Carson Taylor, Lindsey moved around the circle of animals, caressing each one as she repeated a short prayer.
“Bless, O Lord, these creatures, and fill our hearts with thanksgiving for their being,” Lindsey closed the ceremony with a prayer.