Back Pack Blessing
Many churches all over the country are marking the start of a new school year by blessing back packs. I have found this to be a meaningful way to tangibly connect church with something important in the lives of the youth in our congregation. We publicize the event well in advance, send reminder post cards, and have a brief service in church on the first Sunday back in Sunday school. This is the important part -- people of all ages are invited to bring forward briefcases, messenger bags, PDAs, back packs, and other symbols of returning to work after summer vacation. The youth will happily participate along side the little kids if adults are participating too. (Otherwise, it can become an occasion for cynical eye-rolling among the teen set.) . After the blessing, key chains are distributed to everyone as a reminder of the congregation that supports them. See the US Toy Company for a large selection of inexpensive key chains. One idea is to give each person a photo frame key chain with a picture of your church. Other possibilities ripe with symbolism are fish, butterflies, footprints, and light bulbs. See the Youth Files and Forms part of this site for promotional paragraphs to advertise the service in your Sunday bulletin or newsletter. Suggested texts for the service are also in the Youth Files and Forms part of this site. 
Kathleen Capcara
in worship and prayer
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