WATERVILLE — The Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St., will hold the seventh annual Blessing of the Animals service at 9:30 a.m. today in the sanctuary. Traditionally observed as the Feast of St. Francis, the Blessing of the Animals provides an opportunity to give thanks for the animals who share our lives.

Plan to bring your animal companions (leashed or in a carrier please) for a special blessing. Refreshments will follow.

There will be freewill offerings to benefit the Humane Society — Waterville Area. For more information, call 872-7564.

Christian writers conference is today

WATERVILLE — Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers Conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive.

Registration cost $55. For more information, email [email protected], call 549-3306 or visit mfcw.org.

Gospel concert today at Hartland church

HARTLAND — Damascus Road will perform a Gospel concert at the Hartland Baptist Church at 7 tonight.

Blessed Hope Church plans dessert theater

WATERVILLE — The Blessed Hope Church annual dessert theater will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at the Blessed Hope Church Family Life Center, 10 Pleasant St. The play is titled “The Money in Uncle Phil’s Suitcase,” and many dessert options will be available.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Oncology Comfort Care Fund at MaineGeneral Medical Center.

Tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. For tickets and/or more information, call 872-9498.

Ladies Retreat set forOct, 22 in Waterville

WATERVILLE — “You Grow, Girl” is the topic of the annual Central Maine Ladies Retreat at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. at Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, Marston Road.

Neysa Semmer of Panama Beach City, Fla., will be the featured guest speaker. Registration begins with coffee, danish and muffins at 8 a.m., followed by three one-hour sessions. The cost of the retreat is $15.

Religion events are published every Saturday. Email [email protected] at least one week before the event.