- April 14, 2026
Carrie. Courtesy photo
Rev. Joe Albright blesses pets. Courtesy photo
David Dowdy and Smoke, Jill Dempsey and Enoch, Trudy Manen and Molly, of Pop Smoke K9 for Veterans. Courtesy photo
Kellie Jebbia, Caleb and Scooby. Courtesy photo
Rev. John Huff blesses a pet. Courtesy photo
Carol and Dave Corson with Stella. Courtesy photo
Doug and Chris Baron with Annie and Emma. Courtesy photo
Trinity Presbyterian Church of Palm Coast hosts a Blessing of the Pets ceremony. Courtesy photo
Rev. Joe Albright blesses Molly. Courtesy photo
Rev. John Huff blesses Scooby as Caleb looks on. Courtesy photo
Rev. Joe Albright blesses Molly. Courtesy photo
On Sunday, April 12, Trinity Presbyterian Church of Palm Coast hosted a Blessing of the Pets ceremony, following the second to last event in the church’s Community Lecture Series.
A total of 37 dogs and one bunny were blessed during the ceremony.
At the beginning of the pet blessing ceremony, Rev. Joe Albright and retired Rev. John Huff welcomed all guests and spoke about why animals are important to us, and what they have the power to do for us through their unconditional love.
Each pet and its owner came up to the front, where their pet was then blessed by name. A prayer card and charm was distributed after each blessing to the pet's owners. In addition, a memorial basket was placed on a separate table with the names of pets who have passed away. Albright also blessed the memorial basket before the ceremony concluded.
Trudy Manen — a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Palm Coast and vice president of a nonprofit that trains service dogs for disabled veterans, Pop Smoke K9 for Veterans — said, "Whether it be a service dog, an emotional support dog, or just a plain pet, they care for us as much as we care for them.”
Manen said to the Observer that the ceremony was the vision of Kellie Jebbia.
“God created these animals and furry friends and feathered friends and scaly friends. He expects us to take care of them,” Manen said.
On March 15, the church held an event called "Lengthen and Strengthen the Human-Animal Bond," with guest speaker Dr. Pam Johnson. The next event in its Community Lecture Series is scheduled for Sunday, May, 3. Titled "Pets, People, Practice," it will feature guest speaker Dr. Mary Ann Vande Linde.
Visit trinitypalmcoast.org.
