Church To Bless Animals

SUBMITTED PHOTO Baylie Smith, a member of First Presbyterian Church in Prairie Grove, and her baby goat "Reggie." The church will have a Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 21.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Baylie Smith, a member of First Presbyterian Church in Prairie Grove, and her baby goat "Reggie." The church will have a Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 21.

First Presbyterian of Prairie Grove will host a Blessing of the Animals from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 21. The blessings will take place at the Presbyterian parking lot, across the street from the church.

The Blessing of the Animals comes from the legend of Saint Frances of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Many legends abound concerning St. Frances' love and respect for the animal kingdom. It has been said that birds listened so reverently to his sermon along the road near Bevagna, France, Frances chided himself for not having thought to preach to them before.

There are many references to animals in the Bible. In Proverbs 12:10, it says, "The righteous man regards the life of his beast." Job 12: 7-10 says, "Ask the birds, ask the beasts and they will teach you."

Pastor Becky Purcell and the members of First Presbyterian Church invite everyone to bring their creatures great and small for this special blessing.

For more information, please call Cheryl Gibney-Schuman, 870-283-9889.

General News on 10/18/2017