A note from the Vicarage...

October 2025

Thank God for Pets!

I’m writing this on a wet, grey day. We haven’t quite moved in yet and I am alone in a

vicarage that still bears the deep chill of being unoccupied for almost a year. It could be a bit

grim, and yet I am very happy. This is largely because I am thrilled to finally be in the village,

but it’s the contented snoozing and occasional tail wag of my dogs, Muffin and Maisie, that

transform this unfamiliar space into a cheerful, peaceful home- such is the power of our pets.

Keeping pets makes absolutely no sense. They cost a small fortune in food and vet bills,

need to be exercised, groomed and entertained, and you don’t even get a proper

conversation out of them! And yet, despite the mess and chaos they bring, we love them so

deeply there is nothing we can’t forgive. Rolling in the smelliest of unmentionables, bringing

disgusting ‘presents’, wrecking our possessions- yet nothing could ever separate them from

our love. And so, it is often through our pets, that we get some, small sense of how God

must feel about us.

Christians believe in a God who provides everything we eat, a beautiful world for exercise

and family and friends to enrich us. A God who forgives every mistake and who, no matter

how many times we run away, is always delighted to see us return. And just like us with our

pets, the only thing God wants from us in return, is time together.

Having dedicated time with God is one reason many people come to church each week,

seeking a break from life’s distractions to try to find a little peace and joy in God’s presence.

If that sounds appealing to you, do come and see us- we’d love to welcome you on any

Sunday.

Love your pet? Why not bring them to our special pet service St. Peter’s, Lynchmere on

Sunday 5 th October at10am! A relaxed, informal thanks-giving service where humans and

animals alike can howl along to the hymns, receive a blessing and enjoy a tasty treat-

everyone welcome- see you there!

Every blessing,

Liz x