Pet Ministry

At New Haven Congregational Church, we believe that caring for God's creation includes caring for the animals who share our lives. From the very beginning of Scripture, we see that God's love extends to every living thing. Animals remind us of God's faithfulness, teach us about unconditional love, deepen our connection to the world God has made, and remind us to have hope in hard times.

For many people, pets are family. They bring companionship, joy, comfort, and healing. Farm animals connect us to the land and to generations of work, care, and stewardship. We believe these relationships are essential to life, and that caring for animals is one way we live out our faith.

A Pet-Friendly Church

We are a pet-friendly church and are happy to welcome dogs to our services. We ask that dogs be friendly with people and other animals, remain leashed, and stay with their owners at all times. If your dog enjoys meeting new people and can be calm in a group setting, we'd love to have them join us.

Caring for Our Neighbors

We know that when families face hard times, their pets are often affected, too. That's why we include pet food in our Food Pantry whenever possible, helping people care for the animals they love.

As this ministry grows, we also hope to connect people with affordable veterinary care, pet supplies, and other local resources that support both pets and their families.

Blessing the Animals

One of our favorite traditions is our annual Blessing of the Animals service in October. Every year, neighbors from across the community gather with dogs, cats, and other beloved companions to celebrate the joy animals bring to our lives and to receive a blessing. It's a wonderful day of worship, gratitude, and community.

We are also glad to support local animal rescue organizations through donations and partnerships whenever we can.

Looking Ahead

This ministry is still growing, and we're excited to see where God leads next. We hope to expand opportunities for pet blessings, grief support after the loss of a beloved companion, educational programs, and partnerships with organizations that care for animals. We also hope to deepen our support for local farmers, recognizing the sacred work of caring for livestock and stewarding the land.

If you have a heart for animals, we'd love your help. Whether you're interested in organizing events, connecting people with resources, supporting local rescues, or dreaming up new ways to serve, there's a place for you in this ministry. Together, we can care for our neighbors, both the two-legged and the four-legged, and celebrate the goodness of all God's creation.