Hi St. Paul’s community,
This past weekend, we held our annual Blessing of the Backpacks at the 10:30 am service. It’s always a meaningful way to start the school year as we pray for safety and joy in the new school year.
When our kids and parents gathered at the front of the church for their blessing, I was struck by how much we’ve grown. Last year, just a few weeks after I started as Youth & Family Minister, only a handful of children came forward. This year, we had more than 20 kids up front, each with their backpacks and hopes for the year ahead.
It’s been such a blessing and privilege to shepherd Family Ministry over the last year and see it thrive. If you had told me a year ago that we would have countless new families, a weekly Sunday School program, and such a special community of parents, I’m not sure I would have believed so many wonderful changes could happen in such a short time. But God had a plan for our church and our families, and the best part is that it’s only the beginning!
No matter if you’re heading back to school or haven’t been in a classroom for years, the start of a new school year is a good time to think about what’s ahead. My hope and prayer for our church is that we keep finding new ways to share our love, care, and resources for St. Paul’s kids and families. With their energy, laughter, questions, and joy, our kids light up church every week, making it a warmer and more Christ-like place for us all.
As we start this “new year,” I invite you to think about how you can support, encourage, and care for our St. Paul’s families and kids. Each week, we get to witness joyful moments as children run down the aisle to their parents before communion, giving us a small glimpse of how bright our church’s future can be when we commit to welcoming the next generation of Christians.
All my best,
Taylor Milam-Samuel, Youth & Family Minister
