Sunday 5th October brought a cheerful commotion to the church as our annual Pet Blessing Service welcomed creatures of all kinds - mostly canine, but joined by a couple of cats, a tortoise, and a guinea pig. It was joyful sight as both two-legged and four-legged parishioners gathered side by side to give thanks for the gift of animal companionship.

All God's creatures, great and small, were warmly invited forward to receive a blessing from Fr Steven or Revd Nancy.

The service was one of gratitude - for loyal pets, for the quiet comfort they bring, and for the joy they add to out lives. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and affection, and the animals mostly behaved themselves; though a few were determined to sing along with the animal themed hymns.

Across the diocese, many churches have been holding similar celebrations, giving thanks for the animals who share our homes and our hearts, while also raising awareness of the importance of animal welfare. These services are inspired by St. Francis of Assisi — the saint renowned for his love of animals and the natural world. In an age when care for the environment and all living things has becoming increasingly topical, the church is rediscovering his example and his gentle wisdom.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s gathering and hope to welcome even more furry, feathery, scaly, and shell-covered friends to join the fun.

All God's creatures got a place in the choir

All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
Some just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got now

Listen to the top where the little bird sings
On the melodies and the high notes ringing
And the hoot owl cries over everything
And the blackbird disagrees

Singing in the night time, singing in the day
When little duck quacks and he's on his way
And the otter hasn't got much to say
And the porcupine talks to himself

All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
Some just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got now

Dogs and the cats, they take up the middle
While the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddles
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
The old grey badger sighs

Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big t'do
And the old cow just goes moo

All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
Some just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got now

It's a simple song, a little song everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear
The dopey alligator and the the hawk above
The sly old weasel and the turtle dove

All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire
Some just clap their hands or paws, or anything they've got now
All God's creatures got a place in the choir