Blessing of Pets service set for Oct. 2 in Oak Ridge

Grace Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge invites the public to join in its annual Blessing of the Pets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 in the pavilion on the church grounds. The usual all-day Pet Fest held for 20 years will not be held this year.

A brief service will be led by Judy Goans with music provided by Slade Trammell. This will be followed by individual blessings, and certificates will be available upon request. All animals must be restrained, on leashes, or in crates or cages.

Donations by cash or check will be appreciated. Jars will be available or gifts may be made anytime via PayPal on the Pet Fest website, www.gracepetfest.org. Or gifts marked for Pet Fest can be mailed or brought to the church office. Checks should be made out to Grace Lutheran Church with “Pet Fest” indicated on the memo line. All proceeds from the event will be distributed to area animal rescue groups.

Grace Lutheran is the only ELCA congregation in Oak Ridge and Anderson County. The ELCA is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago.

The Church is at 131 W. Gettysburg Ave., Oak Ridge. Info: 865-483-3787 or www.graceoakridge.org.