Peace & pets in the spotlight

Two special services will be held at Christ Church Anglican Church Bay Road Mount Gambier over the next fortnight.

The first service, in honour of Global Peace Day, will be held this Saturday at 3pm.

Parish priest Archdeacon Neil Fernando said that people from all faiths, denominations and cultural backgrounds represented in Mount Gambier were invited to attend.

Those attending will be invited to light a candle and pray for everyone affected by war and natural disasters.

Those who have no faith but who are concerned at the state of the world are also invited.

Archdeacon Fernando also encouraged people to bring a flag of their country of heritage or birth to show that everyone is welcome in Mount Gambier and district.

The following Sunday (September 29) is the church’s annual Pet Blessing Service where all owners of crowd friendly pets are invited to attend at 9.30am.

Representatives of Wet Noses Animal Rescue and Natalie Zwar from Riding for the Disabled will provide information on the work of their organisations.

Those attending may like to bring a packet or tin of pet food for animals still needing a forever home.

Christ Church volunteer Sandy Coulson said the service attracted plenty of dogs but cats and birds were a bit thin on the ground.

She hoped that as well as plenty of dogs on leads, other animals such as cats, birds and other more unusual pets safely in cages would come along with their human companions.

Every animal attending will be blessed by Archdeacon Fernando and a certificate marking the occasion will be provided.

Photos honouring past pets can be brought along and stories about these animal companions can be shared. People attending are asked to bring a chair.