SANDY — Hilltop United Methodist Church celebrated some of our favorite Utahns on Saturday during the faith's annual Blessing of the Animals event on church grounds in Sandy.
Hilltop United Methodist Church, a faith community that welcomes all people and celebrates all of God's creation, is also celebrating its 125th anniversary.
On Saturday, Pastor Sarah Merchant took time to offer individual blessings for pets of all kinds. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, horses and other beloved companions were welcomed along with their families. Those unable to bring their pet or who have a deceased pet for whom they desired a blessing were also ministered to.
"This service is a joyful reminder that all life is sacred," said Pastor Merchant. "Our pets are not just animals; they are companions, comforters, and beloved members of our families."
The church also collected donations, supplies and funds to benefit local animal resources and shelters, extending compassion beyond the church and into the broader community.
Deseret News photojournalist Tess Crowley shared these delightful photos from the event.
Mazie Kovach, 9, left, holds her cat Savannah as Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses her brother Jackson Kovach’s, 12, center, cat Chatham during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses Kelsie, left, during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses Biscuit, left, during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses Pat Bell’s dog Minnie, left, during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Amina Adan, 4, center, looks up at Pastor Sarah Merchant as she blesses Adan’s family after their cat went missing during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses Biscuit, left, during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Tanya Kovach pets Sandy city mayor Monica Zoltanski’s horse Liberty Bell after Pastor Sarah Merchant blessed Liberty Bell during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses Deb Hale’s, left, dog Scotti during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Biscuit prepares to be blessed by Pastor Sarah Merchant during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, left, walks by Yoda, center, and Ninja, right, during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, center, blesses Andrea Haugen’s, off camera, dogs during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Mazie Kovach, 9, holds her cat Savannah before Pastor Sarah Merchant blesses Savannah during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant, right, blesses Sandy city mayor Monica Zoltanski’s, center, horses during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant blesses a dog during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Pastor Sarah Merchant blesses her dog Coda during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Dogs sit after Pastor Sarah Merchant blessed them during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News
A dog and Sandy city mayor Monica Zoltanski’s horses roam after Pastor Sarah Merchant blessed them during a Blessing of the Animals in conjunction with the celebration of the Hilltop United Methodist Church’s 125th anniversary at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy on Saturday.Tess Crowley, Deseret News