St. John's and St. Thomas Episcopal churches will offer a joint "Blessing of the Animals" service in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the environment and animals, on Friday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. The service will be held outdoors at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Road, Lancaster.

The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly service of celebration and thanksgiving for pets and for all God's creatures, including a short service and blessing. Lancaster city's mounted and K-9 units have been invited. Donations will be accepted for Lancaster County Sheriff's K-9 Unit.

All pets should be leashed or in a crate or carrier for their comfort. Attendees are welcome to bring a picture of their pet for blessing if they feel that bringing the pet to the event would be too stressful. Toy pets are welcome, too.

For more information, visit http://www.stjohns-lancaster.org or http://www.stthomaslancaster.org.