Today was the first day back to school for many including our Rainbow Head Start.

Backpacks are back in style (unlike fanny packs I’m told).

I didn’t realize school was back in session until 1) seeing all the back to school photos posted by proud parents on facebook and 2) driving by Frank Rushton Elementary School and watching the children in their brand new shoes running toward the school. I actually love the fact that driving by a school is part of my daily commute. In fact, I have turned this into an opportunity to pray for the younger members of Rainbow, whether they are already in school or not. If and only when I’m stopped at the light or stopped in a line of cars, I take out my handy little car notebook which has all of the names of Rainbow children on it. It’s a good way for me to pray for our young congregants (and learn their names:). Don’t worry this is WAY safer than texting while driving. Oh and please let me know and please forgive me if I don’t have all the names.

School can be exciting and scary both for students and for those who drop them off by the front door. Some parents/students can’t wait for summer to be over and others dread the start to the school year.

Recognizing this is an important time of year for many people and families, some churches have started to have “backpack blessing Sundays.” Might we try that at Rainbow? We invite anyone going to school (any age!) to bring their backpack or brief case  (just no fanny packs) to worship on Sunday, August 24. NOT THIS COMING SUNDAY BUT NEXT. Caitlin Linscheid will talk to the kids about school and learning and maybe even have a special gift for them to attach to their backpacks. And then we’ll join in the following prayer written by Rod Stafford for backpacks:

Wise and wonderful God, we dedicate these backpacks and bless the students who carry them. Accompany the students to school. Strengthen their minds and their bodies. As they grow in knowledge, may they discover the gifts and passions that you have entrusted to them. May they learn kindness, creativity, and care. Bless their classmates, their teachers, and their parents, we pray. Amen.

PS: I want to be clear that I do not discourage anyone from wearing fanny packs. It’s simply that I have people in my life who might disown me if I start wearing one again. I wore one off and on throughout college and well, my friends made fun of me. They were probably jealous.