September Newsletter
From Rev. Rob
Back-to-school time stirs up so many thoughts and emotions in my family. I’m sure everyone has memories of their own back-to-school experiences as a child, some positive; some maybe not so great.
I remember laying awake the night before the first day of school wondering who my teacher would be (we didn’t find out until we walked into school that first morning!) and worrying about whether or not any of my friends would be in my class.
It always seemed to turn out alright though, even if I didn’t get the “nice” teacher, and by the end of the first day of school I’d reconnected with old friends and managed to make some new ones.
When a child is baptized and welcomed into the Christian family of God, promises are made by the community to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. (Book of Alternative Services page 155) One way we support our children is to pray for them and with them. Here’s a prayer litany I really like. I invite you to live out your baptismal promises and join me in keeping students, teachers and all involved in education forefront in your prayer life! Do you know a student you can pray with? If not, pray this on behalf of a child in our parish or a child you may know!
We give you praise, O God,
for everything that is new and beautiful,
for everything which holds promise and brings us joy. Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers
Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh.
May we show love to one another and to all.
May the new beginning of this school year remind us that you give us chances to start over again and again. Help us to forgive others
as we receive your forgiveness.
Help us to learn and to work together.
Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words when we speak
and when it is better not to speak.
We thank you for our friends
Help us to be good friends this year.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe.
Be with us as we travel each day. Help us to be aware of your love
shown to us in the people around us.
And help us to live as well as we can.
Amen!
From Rev. Rob
Back-to-school time stirs up so many thoughts and emotions in my family. I’m sure everyone has memories of their own back-to-school experiences as a child, some positive; some maybe not so great.
I remember laying awake the night before the first day of school wondering who my teacher would be (we didn’t find out until we walked into school that first morning!) and worrying about whether or not any of my friends would be in my class.
It always seemed to turn out alright though, even if I didn’t get the “nice” teacher, and by the end of the first day of school I’d reconnected with old friends and managed to make some new ones.
When a child is baptized and welcomed into the Christian family of God, promises are made by the community to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. (Book of Alternative Services page 155) One way we support our children is to pray for them and with them. Here’s a prayer litany I really like. I invite you to live out your baptismal promises and join me in keeping students, teachers and all involved in education forefront in your prayer life! Do you know a student you can pray with? If not, pray this on behalf of a child in our parish or a child you may know!
We give you praise, O God,
for everything that is new and beautiful,
for everything which holds promise and brings us joy. Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers
Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh.
May we show love to one another and to all.
May the new beginning of this school year remind us that you give us chances to start over again and again. Help us to forgive others
as we receive your forgiveness.
Help us to learn and to work together.
Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words when we speak
and when it is better not to speak.
We thank you for our friends
Help us to be good friends this year.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe.
Be with us as we travel each day. Help us to be aware of your love
shown to us in the people around us.
And help us to live as well as we can.
Amen!
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