Page 44 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

All creatures great and small
How one church shows that God loves us, one and all

by Kelly Merritt Pastor Kirt Anderson of Naples Community Church.
“Hosea affirms God’s love for the beasts, the birds and
N aples Community Church is special for many reasons – but for some the creatures and Paul says that the entire creation awaits
families, it means a lot to be able to bring Fido or FiFi along for God’s work of consummation.”
worship. Honoring these special family members is more than just
being able to bring well-behaved dogs to service. Even though it’s never been Anderson also notes that C. S. Lewis believed that
a written rule, it seems written and understood by people who know God and animals, dogs in particular, will find a home with their
His word. human partners in heaven.Those of us who love our dogs
have to believe that too, or we’d never survive their loss
“The first work of the first man was to name the animals, thereby entering when they must leave us here on earth without them.
into a relationship with them as creatures who share in God’s goodness – after
all, God made a covenant with Noah that included saving the animals,” says “And anyone who has taken the time to know animals,
loves them, and can’t imagine them as simply one
ELEANOR AND protoplasmic step on evolution’s ladder,” adds Anderson.
STUART EGERTON “Somehow we know God loves them too.”
WITH THEIR DOG
It all began when one of the church couples brought
“DAISY” ATTEND “Daisy” with them. Then, Anderson says a couple from
NAPLES COMMUNITY
CHURCH TOGETHER. Celebration Church which meets at Cambier Park
came over because that church had to relocate due
to an art fair. They brought “Marley” along too.
The same thing happened as other couples felt
at ease bringing their dogs with them.
“It’s been a simple matter of asking
forgiveness rather than permission, but no
one has ever objected,” says the pastor, who
like his parishioners is warm, upbeat and
welcoming to all. “They think it’s great and
it does reinforce the appreciation for pups
who provide such warmth and comfort to
so many, young and old.”
The church doesn’t make the service
about the pets and the pets are like their
owners: reverent and appreciative to be
included in the joyous music, prayers
and sermon. They especially enjoy the
fellowship afterwards with who Pastor
Anderson calls some of the most caring
people anywhere.
“Parishioners are regularly seen petting
and talking to the pets others bring which
is all a reflection of the openness and loving
manner of these people—there are no grouches
here,” he says.
Naples Community Church worship is
every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Parking is available
in designated lots adjacent to the church on
the north and south side and in the nearby
parking garage. For more information on
Naples Community Church or its programs,
visit www.naplescommunitychurch.org or call
239.213.1325.

44 Life in Naples | April 2015