On April 18, the Pet Ministry had the first, annual Service of Remembrance for pets who have died. This faith-based service was held in the sanctuary under the pastoral guidance of Rev. Rebeca Abbott, with a liturgy of Bible verses, music, poems and a video of the Rainbow Bridge. Thirty-nine participants attended the service where 12 pets were memorialized in a ceremony that included a power point picture, pet naming, chime, candle lighting, and a memorial token of remembrance. Also, special groups of animals were remembered, including those who have died by abuse and/or neglect, those in captivity, farm animals on whose lives we depend for our sustenance, canine officers and deployed service dogs who have died in the line of duty or after years of
faithful service, animal companions lost in natural disasters and wars, emotional support animals, and of course, our church mice! A light luncheon followed the service. Grief care was available.
The next meeting of the Pet Ministry will be held in the Gathering Place on Sunday, May 31 after church services. Forest Jackson from Humane Animal Rescue (HARP) will present an overview of their shelter, food pantry, and veterinary services and we will discuss how we might partner with HARP using our blessing bags for animal companions.
The Pet Ministry meets quarterly on the 5th Sunday. All are welcome!
faithful service, animal companions lost in natural disasters and wars, emotional support animals, and of course, our church mice! A light luncheon followed the service. Grief care was available.
The next meeting of the Pet Ministry will be held in the Gathering Place on Sunday, May 31 after church services. Forest Jackson from Humane Animal Rescue (HARP) will present an overview of their shelter, food pantry, and veterinary services and we will discuss how we might partner with HARP using our blessing bags for animal companions.
The Pet Ministry meets quarterly on the 5th Sunday. All are welcome!
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Pet Remembrance Service: April 18Grief occurs after the loss of a significant relationship. The loss of a pet can be a devastating and life altering experience. The grief after a pet’s death can be as severe as the loss of a human loved one, and it can be as prolonged and complicated. Each person copes differently, and the timeline for bereavement is variable.
Pets are our companion animals. They become a special part of our families. They bring joy into our lives and teach us lessons of patience, tolerance, and unconditional love. No matter when we lose our animal companion, we will always remember how unique and special our relationship was. The support of others who have experienced this loss is helpful to all of us. Our children are particularly affected by pet loss. They cope best when we acknowledge their feelings, tell the story of their pet, and participate in a memorial activity. Join the Pet Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood for a faith-based celebration of the life of your pet on Saturday April 18 at 11 a.m. Please register and send a photo of your pet(s) by April 4 to receive a memorial token. A reception with food and fellowship will follow. Grief care will be available. |
Purpose of this event
- To remember our dear animal companions who have departed this life and to celebrate our very special relationship with them as it reflects our spiritual bond with our God.
- To offer the bereaved the reassurance that their animal companion was recognized as one of God’s creatures and offered God’s love and compassion both during their life and at the time of their death.
- To provide an opportunity for sharing and fellowship to learn from each other, as the process of mourning is unique for each of us, and there is no timeline for grief.
- To reflect on our own spirituality and religious teachings as a source of solace and comfort.
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Pet Blessing: October 4Saturday, October 4: Blessing of the Animals at 11 AM on the Lawn
All creatures great and small–and their guardians – are welcome. The service will open with a brief liturgy and prayer, then each pet will be blessed individually. Please invite your friends, families, and neighbors to this blessing ceremony. At the Pet Blessing, we will be collecting items for pet blessing bags to go to animal companions of unhoused humans and humane animal rescue veterinary outreach: - Milk bones of many different sizes - Soft treats in original bag - Dry food in original bag (we will divide into smaller portions, copy ingredients and label) - Poop bags - Ziplock bags of many different sizes - Small bottles of water - Gently used leaches, harnesses & apparel - Grooming aids (combs, brushes, etc) - Small fleece blankets |
This will be the home for FPCE's newest outreach ministry. The organizational meeting took place on June 8, 2025. Brainstorming is taking place to create a mission, vision, and logo. Watch this space for more exciting news as we take care of all of God's creatures and their companions!