4-H members from Happy Hemstitchers and Haymakers joined the congregation of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Gilead last Sunday. They had a beautiful, sunny day for the outdoor event on the lawn where they received blessings for their animals and projects before the Morrow County Fair next week.

A few members of the community also brought their dogs to receive a blessing. Tent awnings were set up on the lawn behind the church for worshipers to enjoy the sunny morning breezes and to allow the animals some freedom outdoors.

Rev. Deb Bowsher led the service that wove many references to the beauty of nature and creation into the program.

Former Morrow County Extension Agent, Charles “Chuck” Reutter commented that the “Head, Hands, Heart and Health” of the 4-H motto were all included throughout the service. Music included “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small” and “All creatures of our God and King.”

4-H Advisor Laura Goodwin spoke to the congregation about the history of their 4-H club, which is 65 years old this year. Founding advisors were Mary Nesbitt and Marjorie Poland. Other early advisors were Marilyn Gompf and Charlotte Nesbitt. Present advisors, Cheryl Young and Laura Goodwin are third generation advisors. Other advisors are Vanessa Gingerich and Kortney Brinkman who is advisor for the Clover buds.

There are now 50 members in the club with 15 Clover buds and 2 pre-clover buds. The club started out with primarily sewing, cooking and other home making projects. Projects this year include: rockets, money management, sewing, cooking, weather, steers, feeders, lambs, goats and rabbits to name a few.

Several in the club had the honor and opportunity to go to the state fair with their projects. Karley Fisher won “Outstanding of the day” with the jumper she made.

Rev. Bowsher said in the blessing, “we offer our head, our hands, our heart and our health in the care of our animals.” We bless these animals as we have been blessed and they in turn bless us with wool, their work for us, service for the blind ….and for times of snuggling and comfort.” She added that our animals gift of love and life remind us of Jesus gift to us.

Bowsher said the First Presbyterian Church extends a welcome to all the community to their “Fun day Sunday” on Sept. 20 from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. There will be a bouncy house, basketball, ring toss, cake walk and other games and activities. There will be hot dogs, popcorn and lemonade. The First Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Cherry and North Streets in Mount Gilead.

Alberta Stojkovic is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].

Izzy Chambers brought “Snowball” a breeding rabbit that was her 4-H project this summer.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7412.jpgIzzy Chambers brought “Snowball” a breeding rabbit that was her 4-H project this summer.

Karen Bartman watches while her ShihTzu, Sam waits patiently for the Blessing of the Animals.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7417.jpgKaren Bartman watches while her ShihTzu, Sam waits patiently for the Blessing of the Animals.

Rhonda Carpenter’s Yorkie-poo, Toto was a favorite with children.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7418.jpgRhonda Carpenter’s Yorkie-poo, Toto was a favorite with children.

The shade from the church and two awnings were just right to make shade for the congregation to enjoy the service on the lawn.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7428.jpgThe shade from the church and two awnings were just right to make shade for the congregation to enjoy the service on the lawn.

Receiving the Blessing of the animals and 4-H projects are L-R: Advisor Vanessa Gingerich, Kaylene Brinkman, Shelby Hursey, Izzy Chambers, Karley Fisher, Maddison Hursey, Ryann Brinkman, Gabby Brinkman, Maizy Brinkman. In Back are Advisor, Cheryl Young, Clover bud Advisor, Kortney Brinkman, and Laura Goodwin.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_DSCN7433.jpgReceiving the Blessing of the animals and 4-H projects are L-R: Advisor Vanessa Gingerich, Kaylene Brinkman, Shelby Hursey, Izzy Chambers, Karley Fisher, Maddison Hursey, Ryann Brinkman, Gabby Brinkman, Maizy Brinkman. In Back are Advisor, Cheryl Young, Clover bud Advisor, Kortney Brinkman, and Laura Goodwin.

Story and photos by Alberta Stojkovic

For the Morrow County Sentinel