Blessing of the Backpacks Becomes Annual ALUCC Tradition

Sunday, Aug.  21 is Backpack Sunday at the (ALUCC).  All school children are invited to bring their backpacks or bookbags and receive a blessing, and a gift, at the start of the new school year. 

ALUCC Paston Kelly Brill said the event has become a tradition.

“We’ve been doing it three or four years,” Brill said. “This year we’re giving a ‘carabeener’ (key-ring things that clip onto their backpacks) that says ‘God’s love is always with you.’  I know that many churches around the country do something similar.” 

Brill believes the tradition might have started soon after the Columbine shootings.

“It’s a way to pray for the safety of our children and school personnel, and to remind the children that the church family is thinking of them.”

Everyone who works in a school (faculty or staff) is invited; prayers will be offered as this school year begins.  Children are encouraged to bring a donation of peanut butter and jelly that will be donated to The worship service is at 10 a.m.  Avon Lake United Church of Christ is located at 32801 Electric Blvd.; the website is thealucc.org.