Skinner was blessed on August 16, 2000 by Rev. Frank Lybrand at Zion United Methodist Church in Lancaster, South Carolina.  Aunt Alda Richardson and Mommy went with Skinner.  Afterwards, Aunt Alda, Nannie, Mommy, and Skinner went to Pageland, SC to visit family members.

Rev. Frank Lybrand and 5 week old, Skinner Mathews.
The Blessing of Skinner

The animals of God’s creation inhabit the skies, the earth and the sea. They share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life. God, who confers gifts on all living things, has often used the service of animals of made them reminders of the gifts of salvation. Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards  made a part of the covenant with Noah.  The paschal lamb recalls the passover sacrifice and the deliverance from slavery in Egypt.  A giant fish saved Jonah;  ravens brought bread to Elijah;  animals were included in the repentance of Nineveh.   And animals share in Christ’s redemption of all God’s creation.  We, therefore, invoke God’s blessing on this animal.  As we do so, let us praise the Creator and thank God for setting us as stewards over all the creatures of the earth.