The pews at St Benedict’s church in Horning have again been busy for its annual pet service, with many attendees attracted by this increasingly popular approach to missional outreach.
This year around 50 people gathered, with several notable additions from the animal kingdom.
While many dogs made the trip to the church, a pet rat and even some African land snails were among the less conventional species to make an appearance!
Fr Ben Bradshaw, Rector of the Benefice of St Benedict, said:
“We were delighted to welcome lots of new people to St Benedict’s for our annual pet service.
“During the service we gave thanks to God for our pets, who are such an important part of our lives. We also committed ourselves to helping to sustain and care for our world.”
A retiring collection was taken during the service to help raise money for the church’s Sunday school, where, continuing the animal theme, plans are afoot to welcome miniature donkeys next summer.