The start of a new school year is an important milestone in each child's life. Sometimes it means starting at a new school. But it almost always means new friends and new teachers. This year, we will have a blessing of the backpacks on Rally Day. It will be one way to recognize that God goes with each child through their new school year. Each child may bring a Backpack on the first Sunday after Labor Day, RALLY DAY, to bring forward during the children's message to receive a blessing and a memento for their backpack.
At Home Blessing
On the day before school starts, or on the morning of the first day of school, have a casual conversation about happy and funny memories of being in school.
You may want to give them a special item to put in their bag.
Then offer one of both of these prayers.
God of all knowledge and wisdom,
(name children) and these backpacks remind us that a new school year has begun.
We pray your blessing on them and upon all students, as they begin a new year.
Help them discover and develop the gifts you have given them.
And as they grow in knowledge, help them also grow in kindness and compassion,
learning respect for themselves and for others.
We ask blessings on all those who care for students.
Strengthen them to surround our children with encouragement, support, and love,
In Jesus' name we pray Amen.
Place your hand on your child's head or shoulder and say--
Gracious God, you have promised to be present with your never-failing love and care. Remind us that wherever we go, you are always with us.
Fill (Name your child) with the joy of learning new things,
so that we may all be better equipped to be your servants in and to the world.
Bless, O Lord, all those who lead my children.
Whatever their task or role, guide them to do it in love and faithfulness to you,
knowing that even the most ordinary task become extraordinary when done in your name.
We ask all things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
You may want to give them a special item to put in their bag.
Then offer one of both of these prayers.
God of all knowledge and wisdom,
(name children) and these backpacks remind us that a new school year has begun.
We pray your blessing on them and upon all students, as they begin a new year.
Help them discover and develop the gifts you have given them.
And as they grow in knowledge, help them also grow in kindness and compassion,
learning respect for themselves and for others.
We ask blessings on all those who care for students.
Strengthen them to surround our children with encouragement, support, and love,
In Jesus' name we pray Amen.
Place your hand on your child's head or shoulder and say--
Gracious God, you have promised to be present with your never-failing love and care. Remind us that wherever we go, you are always with us.
Fill (Name your child) with the joy of learning new things,
so that we may all be better equipped to be your servants in and to the world.
Bless, O Lord, all those who lead my children.
Whatever their task or role, guide them to do it in love and faithfulness to you,
knowing that even the most ordinary task become extraordinary when done in your name.
We ask all things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Starting SchoolGoing off to Preschool or Kindergarten or First Grade for the first time is an exciting milestone for children and their families. As children prepare to
venture out from home and begin a new routine at school, they’ll hear Jesus’ promise to be with them always. Together, the family will create a visual reminder of Jesus’ great love for children. |