Blessing of the Backpacks

Faith communities and congregations can mark this “back to school” season in a variety of ways including but not limited to a “blessing of the backpacks” or ‘Back to School with God’ worship service. Both are fantastic ways to pray for and support young people and school staff at the start of a new school year.

Of course, marking milestones is important in our life of faith. We know God created us to learn and explore and create. We also follow Jesus, the great teacher.

Recognise the milestone by including a blessing or prayer in your worship service

▪ Plan a time to recognise all those who are returning to school whether student, teacher, or school staff member.

▪ Ask people to bring backpacks, briefcases, or bags and then ask them stand for a blessing.

▪ Consider blessing the people and speaking of the instruments and tools which assist in the learning and growing.

▪ Acknowledge the challenges some have with learning and disparities of access.

▪ Take the opportunity to invite your local community to your Blessing of the Backpacks or Back to School Sunday service.

Plan for a reminder gift to give everyone  

▪ Design baggage tags or key chains for backpacks which have a scripture passage, encouraging words, or ministry logo.

▪ Design stickers for devices and water bottles. (Even removeable stickers for school devices.)

▪ Distribute the gift to those present for the blessing in worship but also include school staff and students in outreach programmes or church groups.

▪ Create electronic wallpapers or screensavers with encouraging messages or Bible verses to share for students and teachers to use on their devices.

▪ Give hand sanitizer or USB pen drives as other options.

Include an outreach or mission component 

▪ Fill backpacks or collect school supplies for your local school

▪ Collect and distribute school uniforms to local families and children

▪ Volunteer to help your local school staff decorate their rooms or provide breakfast for the teachers.