During this month of August, when we intentionally include time during our worship gatherings to bless students, as well as this Sunday (the 23rd) for teachers, faculty, staff, Sunday school teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and all those who will be shaping youth for the upcoming school year, we also need to offer a blessing to the parents and families as well. As the planning and shopping and coordinating drop-off’s and pick-up’s conclude, now the academic and sports and bands and choirs and all other extra-curricular activity for the younger life requires them to hit the ground running, not allowing much time for them or their responsible adult figures to take a breath and soak it all in. Holy moments of growth and struggle and learning and life-shaping memories will ensue to be sure, and so we lift up parents, grandparents, guardians, and all those who will be responsible to oversee the movements from A to B and C and well, well beyond; not to mention, hopefully, providing some space and time for continued love to nourish it all.
In Christ,
Pastor Brad
Blessing of Parents for the School Year
Parents and caregivers,
as a new school year begins,
you carry many hopes and concerns for your children:
hopes for learning and friendship,
for growth and confidence,
and concerns about the challenges they may face.
Remember that you do not walk this journey alone.
God goes with you and with your children,
watching over you,
strengthening you,
and giving you wisdom for each new day.
Let us pray:
Gracious God,
you have entrusted these children to the care of their parents, families, and communities.
Bless parents and caregivers as they begin another school year.
Give them patience when days are difficult,
wisdom when decisions are uncertain,
encouragement when their children struggle,
and joy when they see their children grow.
Help them to listen with love,
to guide with grace,
to celebrate each child’s unique gifts,
and to remind their children
that their worth does not depend upon grades,
accomplishments, or the approval of others.
When parents worry, give them peace.
When they are tired, give them strength.
When they are unsure, remind them that you are near.
Bless their homes with patience,
laughter, forgiveness, and love.
And bless their children as they learn,
grow, make mistakes, discover their gifts,
and become the people you have longed for them to be;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Parents and caregivers, receive this blessing:
May God bless you with wisdom for the journey,
patience for the difficult days,
joy in your children’s growth,
and confidence in God’s presence.
May the love of Christ surround your family
throughout this school year and always.
Amen.