Blessing of the Backpacks

a note from Rev. Justin

The Rev. Jacqui Lewis, a prophetic voice of our time, recently wrote about the impact of racism on all of us, but in particular, the impact of racism on children and young men of color: "These are our children...and they are in danger. We have to fix this; we have to address the ways that racism in the United States is like a virus that mutates and continues to infect us. Children are not born to hate, nor are they born to fear. But adults who have the virus can harm them, and children can catch the virus, too. It can feel overwhelming to address racism, but we have to do it."

As the grief, turmoil, and protests continue in Ferguson, MO, and around the country, I remember that Michael Brown, the unarmed black teenager who was shot six times after some sort of encounter with the police, was supposed to have started college this past Monday, August 18th.

If you have a child (or children) in school, you are familiar (or are preparing for the first time!) for this fall time ritual, the beginning of the new school year.  Our son starts kindergarten next Wednesday; he'll board the bus, wearing his backpack, carrying our hearts with him, as he begins his first day. This scene, in various communities, in various ways, repeats itself around the country; parents will drive a young adult to college; parents will prepare for life with a middle-schooler, or a high-schooler; and some parents will watch as their child boards the bus for the first time.

These are poignant, tender days; I am aware of those among us who have lost a child, a child who would now be in high school, college, or beginning a new job this fall. I am aware of the families, like Michael Brown's family, who have lost young men because of the virus of racism. And I am aware of all the living children - all of our children, of all colors - who are very much in need of our love, support, and blessing, so that they might thrive.  

This Sunday, I hope you will join us for our "Blessing of the Backpacks" service at 10:00 a.m. Children and youth are encouraged to wear their school backpacks to church, so that we can include them in the Backpack Blessing ritual. If you are able, please bring an extra backpack to donate for students of Augsburg Fairview Academy (here). We will bless these backpacks as well.

As we move toward this ritual, ready to bless the backpacks and the lives of those most precious to us, let us remember those children and young adults no longer with us. Let us remember Michael Brown, and the many others like him, who have no backpack to bless.  Let us remember the preciousness of all children, and let us continue to work for a world of equity, justice, and compassion.

This is the work of our church.  

In faith,

Justin

The front desk at First Universalist Church needs more cheerful volunteers to join our reception team. The first impression many visitors get of our church is from the smiling faces they see when they walk into our office.

We're looking for friendly and reliable folks who want to get more involved in our community. Hours and time commitments are flexible and can be as much as a few shifts per week or as little as one Sunday a month.

Represent First Universalist by greeting visitors, answering phones, monitoring doors and helping out with projects, all while spending time in a vibrant and welcoming office environment.

Your invitation to sing in Summer Choir:

Do you like to sing? Have you thought about being in a choir, but you can't make an extended commitment? Summer Choir may be just right for you. The Summer Choir is scheduled to sing on August 24.

Rehearsals are at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the service. Yes, only one rehearsal on the day of the service. Music is easy enough to learn in the 45 minute rehearsal. All are welcome! 

If you have any questions, please contact:[email protected]

[email protected] or 612-825-1701 x124 or speak with Sandy DiNanni at the Information Table in the social hall after the Sunday service.