First Day of School

So did you see the school buses today? Ah, the memories! Hey, wait a minute; now that I think about it, some of those memories weren’t all that great! Going to school can be exciting, scary, freeing, intimidating, and yes, all of the above. Bethlehem has always placed education and ministry with children and youth as a high priority. In fact, when the church building at 4th Avenue South was designed, the classrooms on the lower level were made extra large so they could be used by the school district when space was short. As children head back to school today, please pray for them. And when you see our children and youth at worship, please – talk to them! Ask their names. Get to know them. They are amazing!

Prayer
Lord God of our ancestors, we thank you for what you have done and will continue to do with our daughters and sons. Bless all students, teachers, administrators, and staff as they begin a new school year today. Walk with our young people in life, and keep the evil one from obstructing their path… Keep them from danger. Order their steps and guide their faith while they run the race of faith. May the good work that you have begun in them be brought to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Adapted from ELW, p. 83