The ritual of the Blessing of the Backpacks has grown since I first experienced it at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Phoenix, AZ 20 years ago. Glossy, professionally created postcards were sent to households in several zip codes surrounding their neighborhood with invitations for students and teachers to bring one’s backpack or briefcase for a Back to School blessing. Their efforts made the major AZ newspaper.
Here are a plethora of creative and meaningful ideas to incorporate this annual milestone into worship, intergenerational interaction, church-school-home relationships and outreach into the community.
Take time to read David Henson’s Blog – he finds the Blessing of Backpacks lacking… so created an interactive, meaningful Back to School Blessing. Is a “non” Backpack Blessing! Free.
Building Faith. An overview with tips for planning from our friends at Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). Added links to liturgies and prayers. Free. And here.
Creative Communications A kit including bag tags. Retail item.
Pinterest Wow- what a treasure chest of ideas, including links to video. Some free. Others retail. This is just one example…
United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. Downloadable litany for beginning of school, backpacks and prayers. Free.
Worship Design Studio Lots of ideas including scripts for skits, liturgy, blessing of teachers. Free.
Linda Staats – Founder, HomeGrown Faith 
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