Sunday September 13, 2026

The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Quick Links

• An Introduction to Godly Play
• Church School @ Christ Church Needham
• Church School Wish List
• Wiggles & Wonder, Bird's weekly formation Substack

Highlights


• Church Calendar Highlights for Fall 2026 Below
• 2026-27 Church School Registration Here
• Backpack Blessing this Sunday - bring your backpacks/briefcases/etc!
• Church School Starts for All Ages September 20
• Breath Prayers for Worries

Dear Church School Friends,

I have always had an intense relationship with my backpacks. While I don't really remember the ones from earlier in my childhood, at some point in my teens I acquired a magenta Jansport that became something of a calling card. When I would come on college breaks, high school friends would spot me standing in crowds at the Staten Island Ferry terminal by that bright backpack, patched with daisy iron-ons, the Jansport label long picked off. When I graduated from college, I dragged it off to graduate school.

Then, there is my current green backpack, which was acquired before an annual camping trip about a decade ago, I think. My recollection is that I found it at the local TJMaxx. At this point, the liner is shredded but it's otherwise sturdy, and it goes with me just about everywhere. I'm like a turtle, carrying my home around int his bag.

Of course, the annual Blessing of the Backpacks is not really about backpacks, precisely, but it is about the things we all carry. How do we go out into the world and how can we ask God to travel with us on that journey? I hope you'll bring your family's daily essentials to be blessed this Sunday. I'll be away on my aforementioned annual camping trip, but I've left a special project that I think will be great fun.

God With Us

The new school year can be a challenging time when it comes to anxiety and worry – for grown-ups and kids alike! When those feelings, strike, I like to turn to breath prayer versions of comforting verses.

If you're looking for some comfort to tuck in your back pocket (or into your kids' backpacks), consider some of these words of reassurance. You might say them before walking out the door or getting out of the car or write them on a small notecard to carry around.

Inhale: The Lord is my light and my salvation

Exhale: whom then shall I fear? [Psalm 27:1]

Inhale: You are my refuge and my strength,

Exhale: a very present help in trouble. [Psalm 46:1]

Inhale: You delight in me

Exhale: with great gladness [from Zephaniah 3:17]

Sunday September 13:

• Church School Registration – Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday September 20:

• Church School Begins for all ages - don't forget to register at link above!

Sunday September 27:

• Faithful Families Breakfast Program at 9:15 in UPH
• Church School for PreK-Gr.3

Sunday October 4:

• Church School Begins for all ages
• Feast of Saint Francis: Blessing of the Pets

Sunday November 1: All Saints Day:

• Faithful Families Breakfast Program at 9:15 in UPH
• Church School for PreK-Gr. 3

Tuesday November 3 (Election Day - No School):

• Sacred Order of Acolytes Training & Refresh

Christ Episcopal Church

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