Blessing The Backpacks

The start of the school year is a major moment in a child’s life, especially for children beginning school for the first time. The new year will bring new teachers, new friends, new concepts, and many other changes.

How can your congregation support the young people in your community during this milestone?

“Blessing the Backpacks” can be a great way to connect with the young people you know in the lead up to the start of the school year. For congregations directly connected with a local school community, this is an opportunity to interact with them and build connections.

You might like to invite the children to bring their backpacks to worship the week before the start of the school year to receive a blessing and the congregation’s prayers. You might also like to give a gift of a bag tag with a passage from scripture or some words of encouragement, to remind the children of your support.

Below are some resources you can download to host your own Blessing the Backpacks Sunday!

What is Blessing the Backpacks? Expand

GROW Ministries – Introduction to Blessing the Backpacks

6 Tips to help with planning a Blessing the Backpacks

Rites Expand

GROW Ministries – Rite for Blessing the Backpacks

Illustrated Ministry – Rite for Blessing the Backpacks

Worship Service Resources Expand

Blessing the Backpacks Worship Service

Resources for Families Expand

GROW Ministries – Beginning School At Home Resource

GROW Ministries – Growing Faith Moments – Beginning School