On Pentecost Sunday, June 12th, 2011, the Church of the Ascension (Episcopal) launched their first late-afternoon worship service. Because it was the weekend of the Allentown Art Festival, they had some activities available ahead of the 4:30 pm service for passersby. There were healing and blessing stations available for all God's creatures, including humans.  The Church of the Ascension will be opening a Pet Food Pantry for those in need of supportive help for their pets, and so it was especially important to offer pet blessings. A few dogs on leashes accompanying their owners to the Art Festival stopped by for a few prayers.

Mid-way through the afternoon, we heard the sound of clopping hooves and looked up to see three deputies from the Erie County Sheriff's Department mounted division coming down Franklin Avenue toward the Church.  We crossed the street and asked if they'd allow us to bless their horses. Deacons Pete Cornell and Kim Greene, and The Rev. Cathy Dempesy (all off-camera) made their way toward the horses. The Rev. Barbara Price was there that day to help kick-off the event, and she was privileged to bless a very tall buckskin horse named Shiloh. As you can see from the photos, Shiloh - without any prompting - bowed his head while he was being blessed.  Thanks be to God for all  creatures great and small, and for the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon us all.