Mile Hi Church of Lakewood has formed a new International Animal Ministry (I AM), which has evolved and grown from its initial beginnings as the Animal Care and Pet Ministry in 2005.

This newly-formed organization is founded upon its vision and mission statement to serve all humans and their nonhuman animal companions by offering compassion, humane education, hospice services, visiting pet therapy, pet grief loss counseling, and caring, inclusive support.

As a pilot program, it is the first ministry of its kind, not only to bless, celebrate, and honor all pets in their various cycles of life, but also to provide spiritual support and humane education to their human companions. To further expand this effort, Mile Hi Church has extended its loving arms to both pets and their human guardians to become new members of the church.

The International Animal Ministry will be holding its fourth annual Animal Care Affair and Pet Blessing on Friday, September 18 and Saturday 19, 2009.

The event will begin Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Vogt Center Auditorium at Alameda and Garrison in Lakewood. The IAM will host a human-only, special forum entitled The Healing Power of Animals. Tickets are $10, plus an additional donation of any type of pet food, to be distributed among local animal shelters.

The forum will feature Kate Solisti, internationally-renowned animal communicator, and Kathy Pike, author, coach and teacher. The speakers will explore with the audience how human spiritual relationships and love intertwine with the animal kingdom.

On Saturday, the IAM will host the Animal Care Affair/Vendor Event and Pet Blessing, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the church's parking lot. There will even be a unique pet parade at 12:00 p.m. Vendor applications may be obtained by e-mailing Cheryl Long at clong@milehichurch.org or by phone at 720-974-2234. All pets are welcome, and Saturday's event is complimentary and open to the public!

Compiled by Kathy Hixson