A Back-to-School Blessing

Make efforts to invite anyone connected to your community— grandchildren, occasional attendees, new visitors. A special treat before or after worship can add to the celebration. Also be prepared to advertise any upcoming fall programs. In today’s world, occasional, special worship experiences may be more accessible than weekly attendance. Hospitality welcomes all young people at any level of participation.

A Sample Liturgy:

(click here for a PDF version)

After last announcement, invite students of all ages, teachers, and staff to the front of the church.

Prayer Leaders (Officiants) should guide everyone into the chancel area to face the people. Officiants should remain the floor.

Officiant #1 will give brief explanation of why we mark the beginning of school with a blessing.

Once all are in place, the blessing begins.

Officiant 1 : (facing the gathered group in the chancel)

The Lord be with you. (And also with you) Let us pray.

God of Love,

grant strength, courage, and joy, to those entering a new school year.

Bless their schools and classrooms and the people who fill them:

faculty, students, administrators, coaches, maintenance and office

staff— everyone who makes up the school community.

Officiant 2: God of Wisdom,

Bless this new beginning.

We give thanks for new books, new programs and new ideas.

We thank you for the gift of making mistakes and trying again.

Officiant 3: God of Hope,

Keep your precious children far away from danger and from fear.

Guide them in the ways of justice and truth.

We ask you to bless them with curiosity, understanding, respect and

friendship.

Officiant 1: Please raise your backpacks or briefcases if you brought them.

May God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit bless these

backpacks, all who are gathered here and the school year ahead.

Amen.

After the end of the blessing, there will be a basket of pencils and bookmarks. Distribute

to each person while wishing them a great school year.