All God's Critters Got a Place in the Choir!

    Mary E. Wilson Memorial Church in Watchung will hold its Second Annual "Blessing of the Animals" service on Saturday, May 3, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.  The service will be held outdoors in front of the church's main entrance on Hillcrest Road, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors.
    Local residents are invited to bring their pets to church for this special blessing.  Those without pets may wish to bring their favorites stuffed animals.
    Last year, Wilson welcomed about 40 human worshipers along with more than a dozen dogs, an iguana and several stuffed animals to a service that included music and stories of why our pets special to us.
    The service is part of Wilson's First Saturday of the Month Family Worship Service series, designed to offer a child friendly, yet inter-generational family focused church experience for those who may find it difficult to be with us on Sunday mornings.
    Wilson Memorial Church is located at 7 Valley Road in Watchung, at the intersection with Hillcrest Road, just off the Watchung circle. For further information, contact the church office at (908) 755-5020.


Guidelines for The Blessing of the Animals:

• If you don't have a pet, stuffed animals are welcome!
• If your pet is very large or exotic, pictures are welcome as well.
• Keep in mind that animals are not humans and that their interaction is based on instinct rather than manners. While your pets may get along at home, it may not be the case with others that aren't familiar.
• Please bring cats in a crate or carrying device, as you might when taking them to the Vet. This also is suggested for any pet that might either be frightened or overwhelmed by the experience.
• Please keep dogs and others on a leash, or suitable restraint.
• Please pick up after your pet if "nature calls". There will be a trash can available.
• If your pet is overwhelmed, please take care to remove it from the situation before any escalation takes place.