Each year, there are special things that we do to mark the passage of time - birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, traditions. One of the biggest parts of children's lives is their time in school. At the end of the school year, we sent Flat Jesus with them on their summer adventures. And as the summer begins to draw to a close, we will start another tradition: the blessing of the backpacks.

On September 2nd, all of the children will be invited to bring their backpacks (or diaper bags for the littlest ones) to the front of the sanctuary during the children's sermon. We will take that time to talk about how Jesus continues to be with us as we head back to school or our normal activities. We will give each of the kids something special to take with them as a constant reminder of God's presence. And we will pray for our kids and their teachers, their backpacks and lunchboxes, pencils and books, and this new school year. It's another little way for us to be reminded that God is always with us!

- Pastor Elizabeth