Back to School Blessings – St. Nick’s News Aug. 15, 2025

Full St. Nick’s News for August 15, 2025

Dear Friends,

This past Sunday was one of those moments that reminded me exactly why I love being part of St. Nick’s. The sanctuary was buzzing with life—kids of all ages bring so much joy into our life, people catching up after vacations from a summer that was far too short, families sitting together readying themselves for a new year, and backpacks and work bags of every shape and color being placed in front of the altar ready for a blessing from God.

When we gathered for our Backpack Blessing, I couldn’t help but notice how each bag tells its own little story—favorite colors, dangling keychains, some showing a little wear and tear from previous years. And I thought, these backpacks are going to hold so much more than schoolwork this year. They’re going to carry reminders of God’s presence, the prayers of this church family, and the knowledge that they are loved.

Watching our children and youth color and prepare their blessing tags—seeing them smile and knowing they’re heading into the year with our prayers literally in tow—was holy ground for me. And when our teachers and students stood together, I was reminded that learning is never a solo journey. It’s something we share as a community.

So as we begin this new school year, I want to say thank you—for showing up, for loving each other well, and for sending our students into the world wrapped in prayer.

A Back-to-School Prayer
Loving God,
Bless our children and youth with curiosity, courage, and kindness.
Bless our teachers and school staff with patience, creativity, and wisdom.
Bless parents and caregivers with peace of mind, strength for busy days,
and joy in watching their children grow.
And bless all of us, as one St. Nick’s family,
to cheer each other on, lift each other up, and never forget that
You walk with us in every classroom, hallway, and playground.
You walk with us in every place and every space.
In the name of Jesus, our Teacher and Friend,
Amen.

As always, I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday or sooner if you want to join us at our workday on Saturday the 16th from 8am to 11am or at Crafty Crew Meet-Up in the Sunday School room at 9am.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+