Woof n’ Worship
A church in Weymouth, MA is now offering services for dog owners. On Sunday, October 5 the church held the first of its weekly “woof ‘n’ worship” services, which will be open to dogs and their owners.
“The idea came to me as I was sitting reading the Bible with my two dogs at my feet,” said the Rev. Rachel Bickford. “Psalm 150 says, ‘Praise the Lord, let everything that breathes, praise the Lord.’ And Psalm 148 reads, ‘Let all wild animals, creeping things and flying birds give God praise.’
“So I thought wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing to let all things praise God together and have families bring their dogs to church.”
I admire Rev. Bickford for being so open-minded and willing to try something a little different.
“Things are so tough on everyone right now that we forget to thank God for the good things and find the miracles of everyday life. Our animals always bring that. If you can’t pay the oil bill or had a bad day at work, your dog doesn’t care. He just thinks you’re wonderful. Dogs listen, they don’t talk back, and they give unconditional love. . . .
“I really see that as part of God’s blessing here on earth - to remind us what to be thankful for, and to find joy.”
The church was worried about allowing all dogs into the services, but Rev. Bickford did a bit of praying and a decision was made. So, for all the Pit Bull lovers out there, don’t worry they can “woof n’ worship” too.
She’s pleased to report that all kinds of dogs will be welcome at the church, though they will have to be on leashes. When she first broached the idea, the church’s insurance company said pit bulls could not attend. But the church was able to pay a little more and win a dispensation for the breed, she said.
“This was something I had prayed about and thought about,” Bickford said of opening services to dogs. “Dogs bring such hope in a world where we’re surrounded by such hopelessness. As I’ve gone through my ministry, I’ve noticed how dogs change people’s lives. Studies show they can lower blood pressure. . . . And I thought it would be just so much fun.”
What a great story, we give Rev. Bickford two big paws up. What do you think about bringing your dog to church? Give me a bark.
My grandma’s church offers blessing on St. Francis of Assisi Day., but it would be great to be able to go to services and actually go inside the church!
There is a doggy chapel in Vermont too that is amazing
Visit Stephen Huneck’s Dog Chapel in Vermont
I am so glad they managed to get pit bulls to be able to attend to. It would have been a sad day if they hadn’t.
I would love to do that even if just once or twice a month at my church. I’ve got three and they are what I get up each morning for. I’m single and no children and really no close family. My three dogs, are my family.
My brother attends a large church that does a pet blessing in the spring every year, but this would be so much more fun!
Wonderful
that’s great!
Awesome they are family too!!!!!Thanks
Pawsome, I wish we could do that here
I wouldn’t have to be home alone, and I would find out what humans do there.
My roommate (at the time) and I would drive to listen attend a small country church in rural Kentucky that her father preached at. The first time we went, we were a little late, the singing had begun. The preacher announced our arrival, then asked where the dogs were. Pam had a shiperke and I had a pom and mutt. Jr, the preacher told us to bring the dogs into church with us - we did. Tasha sat on Pam’s lap listening so attentively, Scruffy (mutt) sat on my lap cocking his head every on and then. George, the pom, went up and sat in a chair next to Jr. staring at him the entire service. We went back numerous times, dogs in tow, all to church on Sunday morning, except for George. Little George loved Jr, became his dog, the 2 were together until their death.
I’ve been given permission to bring my Shih Tzus in for a Sunday School class I teach. I will need to make sure none of the 20 children are allergic. My two dogs have been to visit the church offices, and made demands that day for a pet worship service. I think the logistics are very complicated.
We are part of Gods children so let us have a place in the church also!!!!!
I often wish I could bring my dogs to church, but then I think about people with severe allergies. We use to have a church set up in the park during the nice weather months in Oregon, and I’m sure your dog was welcome there. An outdoor service would make sense and possibly not need a change in insurance. We live in Atlanta now, so I don’t see that happening here. Although we all chuckle whenever a squirrel gets in and decides to join the service!
PRAISE GOD …BRING IT ON
BARK AND MEOW FOR JESUS
WE HAVE 2 FURBABY MINISTRIES CALLED:
K-9′S -4-CHRIST PLUS THE LIONS OF JUDAH RESCUE
P.S. I LOVE THE “LEAVE A REPLY “MESSAGES”THE STORIES BRING A SMILE AND GLOW TO MY HEART.
what a great idea for dogs to be able to go to church. we had a dog who has since passed away went to a church in our town and outside the church, the minister had the blessing of the animals. it was so great.