Antioch Christian Church Pastor Randy Beeman blesses the ashes of Fancy and Thundercloud Doughtery, held by Daniel Dougherty, and those of Fancy’s “best friends,” shipped from Ohio to be blessed, held by Faith Dougherty. Photo by Donna Manz.
Every year since Pastor Randy Beeman came to Antioch Christian Church in Vienna four years ago, he has set aside a June Sunday to bestow grace on the family pets of the area who come for the church’s “Blessing of the Animals.” Since its inception, the pet blessing ceremony has grown with participants and species. Some pets present have medical conditions. Some were blessed in absentia, too ill to come. Others, gone from this realm, hold a lasting place in the hearts of their guardians and come in urns or name only. More than 20 people participated.
Shirley Elliott of Vienna helped put the ceremony together with Pastor Beeman. She believes pets deserve God’s grace.
“Our pets are part of our family. They love us unconditionally and they’re God’s creatures.”
Raising his hand over the pet’s head – or over his ashes or name card – Pastor Beeman said to each animal, “The creator of the Universe has given you breath and life. You are cherished and treasured. Receive the love of your Creator and your kindred creatures. May _ be blessed by the power of God’s love in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and may you the guardian and pet enjoy life together with our God.”
Faith and Daniel Dougherty of Great Falls come every year. They bring the remains of Fancy and Thundercloud in urns. This year, ashes of Fancy’s best “friends” came from Ohio, shipped in plastic bags, to be blessed.
Jan Stanley has come to Antioch for the pet blessing for three years. The first time she came, she had Diva with her, a two-year-old sheltie about to have her leg amputated. Diva died of cancer and, this year, Stanley had with her Daisy, 12, and her daughter, Penny, 10. Along with Daisy and Penny, Diva received a blessing. “It’s just as important to bless the ones who have passed on,” said Pastor Beeman, noting how the loss of a pet touches the heart of its guardian.
Each pet, living or passed, was given a blessing card and a grace charm to wear on collar.
Gia Thompson, a one-eyed Pekingese, died about three years ago of a blood disease. She was adopted from the Potomac Pekingese Rescue by Gaby Thompson three years before she died. When Gaby Thompson walked up to Pastor Beeman for Gia’s blessing, she held up a cell phone toward him. On the phone was Gia’s photo. “She was, definitely, the sweetest dog I’ve ever had,” said Thompson.
Antioch Christian Church is located at 1860 Beulah Road.