Peace & pets in the spotlight

Mount Gambier’s Christ Church has recently held two special services – one focusing on peace and the other a Pet Blessing Service.

Around 150 people, representing all faiths and backgrounds, recently attended the service to pray for peace in the world, with candles lit and prayers offered by members of the Christian, Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist and Bahai faiths.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin and District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston both attended the service.

Organiser Archdeacon Neil Fernando was pleased with the strong turnout representing different denominations and faiths in Mount Gambier and district.

Guest speaker social worker Tracey Wanganeen spoke about the importance of people attaining an inner peace in today’s busy and troubled world.

Fr Fernando said that he hoped that the service would remind everyone in the community that their prayers are needed particularly for people affected by current conflicts such as the Middle East and Ukraine.

The afternoon included a performance from children with a Sri Lankan background and a hymn led by Pastor Tim Frost of the Salvation Army.

The following weekend a variety of much loved pets were blessed at a morning service.

Those blessed included 12 dogs, three ginger cats and two tiny turtles.

As well as pets at the service, photos of absent pets belonging to friends and relatives and much loved deceased pets were all blessed by Archdeacon Neil Fernando using Holy water.

Pets blessed were given a certificate to commemorate the occasion.

The service which has become a popular annual fixture on the Christ Church calendar was fortunate to have Natalie Zwar, from the SE Animal Welfare League and Riding for the Disabled, and Maxine Spence, from Wet Noses Animal Rescue, speak to the congregation about the work of their organisations.

Pet food donated by members of the Parish was presented to the speakers and financial donations were provided to all three organisations by a church donor.