By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Crosscreek Baptist Church is hosting three events in the upcoming weeks to celebrate its congregation and family. The church will hold a variety show Sept. 27, its 38th anniversary celebration Oct. 4 and its annual blessing of animals Oct. 11.

The series of events kicks off with the variety show this Sunday, which also doubles as a fundraiser for the church’s mission endeavors. According to Pastor Brandon Hudson, anyone is welcome to attend show.

“It’s a good time. We meet down in our fireside room, put some funny little stage lights up and a sound system,” Hudson said. “It’s a great chance for people to fellowship and get together and enjoy each other. You don’t have a chance to go play and do your talent often.”

He said there were about 60 people who attended last year’s show, and he has about 10 acts signed up for Sunday’s festivities. There will be finger foods provided by some of the church members, and the event is free.

The following Sunday is Crosscreek’s 38th anniversary as a congregation, and they will celebrate during the 10 a.m. morning service. Hudson said it’s a great opportunity for people who haven’t been to the church in a while to reconnect.

“It’s a big Sunday in the life of our church,” Hudson said. “We have a song that was written for our church, it was commissioned, and we always sing it that Sunday and renew our church covenant to each other.”

The anniversary also happens to fall on World Communion Sunday, and Hudson said they participate in taking communion on that day as well.

One of Hudson’s favorite moments at Crosscreek is the blessing of the animals Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. It’s the day when the congregation recognizes the blessings animals bring to their lives.

“For me personally, our animals really are a blessing of companionship,” Hudson said. “We are a pretty pet friendly church. It’s really fun. “

The tradition was originally started by St. Francis of Assisi who was in touch with animals, according to Hudson. They hold the day in October to coincide with the feast of St. Francis.

On Oct. 11, Hudson said they will hold service on the lawn of the church, read some scripture and sing together. Then Hudson will bless each animal individually. He said it does not matter what kind of animal, he’s blessed both dogs and bearded dragons.

“I think it’s important for us to celebrate how awesomely diverse and ecologically profound the world God has given us is,” he said. “I really love that Sunday.”