Featuring a symbolic blessing of the animals, this multigenerational service offers examples of the many gifts animals bless us with. Bring pictures or mementos of your pets to be blessed. Bring your sense of humor, fond memories of favorite animals, wild or tame, and an open heart if you’re not a pet person. We explore the many gifts we gain from sharing this planet with other animals. Rev. Eliza Blanchard leads the service.
Rev. Eliza Blanchard began her journey to ministry from her position as a director of religious education in Melrose (with Rev. Phyllis, in fact!). A former teacher, she was ordained in 2004 and was called to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton that same year. She served there for five years, leaving to devote more time to writing and to a community ministry. She is currently an affiliate minister of the First Parish in Brookline and offers spiritual care and guidance to animal caregivers. She’s the chaplain for New England Pet Hospice and Home Care and volunteers at the MSPCA. She has edited two collections of blessings for children and recently published a book of reflections on growing older (“The Seasoned Soul”, Skinner House Press). She, her husband, and their Morkie (small dog), Maisie, live in Brookline.