Kids & Family

Let Us Pray … and Woof! Dog Walk Church Service a Hit in Virginia

Virginia pastor brings Sunday message to parishioners and their four-legged pals.

Things are getting a little hairy over at the Epiphany Lutheran Church of Mount Vernon.

Last month, the church pastor, Rev. Charles Oberkehr, began what he calls a “dog walker’s worship,” allowing parishioners to bring their four-legged friends with them for an early-morning stroll where they can discuss faith and contemplate nature.

“Every Sunday morning, we’d come back and we’d see there’s a whole host of people walking their dogs back and forth, and we decided to make it a worship service,” Oberkehr said.

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Although the worship has only just begun, it’s already attracted a devoted following in the community.

“I think the fact that we care for the animals shows us how important it is to care for all living creatures, not just each other,” said Denise Lascar, a participant in the worship.

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The service is held in front of the church every Sunday morning at 7:45 a.m.

Check out the video above to see the dog walk in action.


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