LA church starts pet service

[V2K_CCTX]

LOS ANGELES (AP) - When the Rev. Tom Eggebeen took over as interim pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church three years ago, he looked around and knew it needed a jump start.

Most of his worshippers, though devoted, were in their 60s, attendance had bottomed out and the once-vibrant church was fading as a community touchstone in its bustling neighborhood.

So Eggebeen came up with a hair-raising idea: He would turn God's house into a doghouse by offering a 30-minute service complete with individual doggie beds, canine prayers and an offering of dog treats. He hopes it will reinvigorate the church's connection with the community, provide solace to elderly members and, possibly, attract new worshippers who are as crazy about God as they are about their four-legged friends.

Before the first Canines at Covenant service last Sunday, Eggebeen said many Christians love their pets as much as human family members and grieve just as deeply when they suffer — but churches have been slow to recognize that love as the work of God.

"The Bible says of God only two things in terms of an 'is': That God is light and God is love. And wherever there's love, there's God in some fashion," said Eggebeen, himself a dog lover. "And when we love a dog and a dog loves us, that's a part of God and God is a part of that. So we honor that."

The weekly dog service at Covenant Presbyterian is part of a growing trend among churches nationwide to address the spirituality of pets and the deeply felt bonds that owners form with their animals.


Gone to the dogs: LA church starts pet service

[buschboy]

Not sure what to think about that. I always thought God on his own was enough. Shouldn't have to bait people to come to the Father. But change and spice is good in some fashion too I guess. Hope it works out for them.

[trikebubble]

You heard the one about the dyslexic agnostic that stayed up all night pondering the existance of Dog, right?

Somehow, that old joke just fits right here.

[wild_deuce03]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

You heard the one about the dyslexic agnostic that stayed up all night pondering the existance of Dog, right?

Somehow, that old joke just fits right here.

LMAO!!! That's funny right there!

I love my animals almost as much as my kids, almost. They are indeed a part of our family, but really?????!!!!!! A church service for dogs? I could see maybe saying, "Hey, bring your pets to church day.", or something. This is freaking nuts!!!!

[Jake '53]

Dogs maybe but I can't see cats buying onto this whole higher being thing.

[wild_deuce03]

Originally Posted by Jake '53

Dogs maybe but I can't see cats buying onto this whole higher being thing.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by Jake '53

Dogs maybe but I can't see cats buying onto this whole higher being thing.

Dude, cats are the higher bieng. (at least in their minds....)

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

Dude, cats are the higher bieng. (at least in their minds....)

That's what I meant.

[wild_deuce03]

Originally Posted by Jake '53

That's what I meant.

No one said you had to be bright to be a Cleveland fan.



Please don't ban me!

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by wild_deuce03

No one said you had to be bright to be a Cleveland fan.



Please don't ban me!

Don't be implicating me in your bad-mouthing the Cleveland fans.

[trikebubble]

[Jake '53]

Lmao

[wild_deuce03]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

Now that's just dirty play!!!

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by wild_deuce03

Now that's just dirty play!!!

Ahhh, c'mon........we gotta have fun too. At least you're not a Toronto Maple Laughs fan..........think youself lucky.

[V2K_CCTX]

Just thought it was interesting headline! Plus DOGS rule!