​LUTHERANS AND THE BLESSING OF THE PETS
It should be told that Martin Luther had a love of dogs. He had a Pomeranian named Belferlien sometimes referred to as Tolpel (rough translation "numbskull or fool “.)  In one of his table talks, Tolpel jumps up wanting food and Luther says " Ah if I could only pray the way that dog looks at meat. All his thoughts are concentrated on the piece of meat, otherwise he has no thoughts, wish, or hope."   Luther also believed dogs go to heaven.   He says presumably to Tolpel;   " Be thou comforted little dog. Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail. “

St. Francis of Assisi is considered the patron saint of animals. Francis' devotion to God was expressed through his love for all of God's creation. He preached the message that they were as much God's creatures as the human race and as such should be protected.

In honor of Martin Luther and St. Francis and as our opportunity to help animals, Bethel’s congregation has been collecting donations for the complete month of September to donate to the humane society and has been a wonderful success.The blessing of the pets took place on October 2 at 4 pm and blessed were those who were  attending.

Photographs