By Mark Ambrogi
King of Glory Lutheran Church pastor David Hewitt knows how his congregation and other community members treasure their pets.
So the Carmel church, 2201 E. 106th St., held its first pet blessing service on the church’s front porch on Sept. 20.
“I had seen other pet blessings in other areas of the country and it came to me I think from God that we should do it as we continue to reach out to the community and bring the blessings of God to the community,” Hewitt said.
During the short worship service, Hewitt read brief passages of the Bible that describe God’s creation, including the animals. Hewitt also gave a brief message underlining how pets are a blessing to their owners. Hewitt then went around and blessed the pets. He was pleased with the turnout.
“More people showed up than we thought,” Hewitt said. “We had a beautiful day and we have a lot of happy people and their pets today.”
King of Glory church member Kathy Peterson of Carmel brought her Boston terrier, Hendrix, and a rescue cat, Kali.
“This one is a little sickly so I figured she could use the extra help,” Peterson said. “She has some issues from not getting good nutrition as a kitten.”
Carmel resident and church member Pete Horn, who brought the family’s Irish setter, said it was good event for members outside the church.
“We like to reach out to the community,” Horn said. “If this brings people in to bring their pets in, that’s why we do it.”
Carmel resident Kathy Krueger, who isn’t a church member but has been invited to some senior events, brought her mixed-breed dog, Peyton, and her friend, David Toney.
“It was a nice service,” Krueger said. “I’ve heard of pet blessing but had never been to one. When I saw the banner, I said we had to go. Peyton needs a blessing.”
