Published October 13. 2020 03:42PM
Elder Joanne Kelhart was the person everyone pointed to when asked, “Who is charge?” at the Oct. 4 Blessing of the Animals event. She was in the small cluster of volunteers staffing the folding tables where people brought their pets (all dogs this year) to sign up for the Blessing of the Animals at the First Presbyterian Church on Center Street in Bethlehem.
“It’s our third year holding the event,” Elder Kelhart said.
The event is free, though donations of dog and cat food are much appreciated.
According to the elder, the dog and cat food gets donated to the Meals on Wheels program. When faced with a quizzical look, she added, “The Meals on Wheels people distribute the dog and cat food to their clients so that they have pet food for their animals.”
The Blessing of the Animals event is part of First Presbyterian’s congregational life service, Kelhart explained.
“The program is a celebration of god’s creation,” said Senior Pastor J. C. Austin. “It’s a celebration of the deep love people have for their pets and the love pets have for their owners.
“We as human beings are called to be responsible for creatures,” said the senior pastor. “It goes back to the Genesis story of creation.”
PRESS PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS GRAVES First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem was the scene of the third annual Blessing of the Animals Oct. 4. More photos on page A2.
Ted Rewak provides the animal-themed religious music for the event. He sang the Cecil F. Anderson song, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” for the occasion.
Kristen Benway brought her mixed hound, Abby, to the Blessing of the Animals.
Anna Maria Stoerrle and her cocker spaniel, Jimmy, at the Blessing of the Animals event.
Tom Kozlowski brought his fox terrier, Killer, to receive the Blessing of the Animals.
Bob and Sally Ross of Bethlehem let their labrador, Mae, visit with Bob Hunsicker's springer spaniels, Freckles and Norman.
0010 Bob Hunsicker with his springer spaniels, Freckles and Norman.
Donna Perapallo was at the Blessing of the Animals event with her mixed labrador, Blondie.
