On Sunday, August 27^th, we held a special “blessing of the backpacks” litany during our morning worship service. This, combined with the wonderful music, made for an uplifting day for all!   

We welcomed several guests from Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) including Dr. Merv Daugherty, Superintendent of Schools (photo below); Kathryn Haines, Vice Chair, Chesterfield County School Board; and Shawn Smith, Chief of Communications and Community Engagement for CCPS.

Dr. Daugherty led scripture and shared some ways that our congregation can be supportive of CCPS: 1) Start every day in prayer for our students and our schools; 2) Pray for safety and wisdom; and 3) Volunteer in our schools, for there are many ways to help make a difference.  

In case you missed the blessing of the backpacks, here is the litany along with a responsive prayer. I have adapted it for you in this letter. Please use it in your daily prayers for our children and our schools throughout the year. 

Holy God, the time is come when school begins. As these your children begin their studies, we ask a blessing on their backpacks in which they carry the books and note books, markers and pens and pencils they will use to learn.  

Dear Lord…Hear our prayer. 

Bless, O God, all who will teach our children in the coming days and weeks and months. Give them the wisdom to find inspiration for each child. Give them the energy and creativity and love that will make their work a blessing to our children.  

Dear Lord…Hear our prayer. 

Bless, O God, all school principals, office workers, school board members and our Superintendent, Dr. Merv Daugherty, that they may be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to their care. Make them fair and merciful, able to do their crucial work with a spirit of grace and compassion.  

Dear Lord…Hear our prayer. 

Bless, O God, all the librarians, coaches, guidance counselors, cafeteria workers, custodians and bus drivers as they look after the overall health, safety and care for each student. Help them to be fair and to know how each student can be successful. Dear Lord…Hear our prayer. 

Bless, O God, each one gathered here that we will seek every opportunity to grow in our knowledge and love of you – in our Sunday School classes, children and youth ministries and our classes for adult learners. Grant that we may see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly.  

Dear Lord…Hear our prayer. 

God of Wisdom, we give thanks for schools and classrooms and for the teachers and students who fill them each day. We thank you for this new beginning, for new books and new ideas.   

We thank you for sharpened pencils, pointy crayons and crisp blank pages waiting to be filled. We thank you for the gift of making mistakes and trying again. Help us to remember that asking the right questions is often as important as giving the right answers.   

Today we give you thanks for these your children, and we ask you to bless them with curiosity, understanding and respect. May their backpacks be a sign to them that they have everything they need to learn and grow this year in school and in Sunday School. May they be guided by your love.  

Dear Lord…Hear our prayer. 

All this we ask in the name of Jesus, who as a child in the temple showed his longing to learn about you, and as an adult taught by story and example your great love for us. 

Amen.  

Thank you for your prayers for and support of our Chesterfield County Schools, adjoining school districts and private schools. We want children to learn, to be safe, to thrive, to be successful and to be productive citizens in this world.  

In Christ’s care,