Children receive backpack blessings to begin school year

The beginning of each new school year is celebrated at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley with its traditional “Back to School Backpack Blessings” given by Senior Pastor Mark Boster and Pastor Ryan Mackey.

On the weekend of August 10 and 11, 2024 during all services, a special blessing was invoked
to honor kindergartners and all other students for their experiences and academic success in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

A separate blessing was held for teachers to give them strength and inspiration while providing guidance for their students, too.

“We began our kindergarten blessing tradition in 2004,” said Pastor Boster, “and it has truly been a blessing for all of us the past twenty years. We encourage the children not to fear school and to know our church family is praying for them and that God is with them wherever they are, even in school.”

“Our traditional backpack blessings for the other students began in 2006 so that their school year will go well and the students will have a great year of learning to be better equipped to serve God. It is also important to include our teachers and administrators who also stand up for a special blessing, too, as they need our prayers and support.”

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, located at 10805 Main Street, under the faith leadership of Senior Pastor Mark Boster and Pastor Ryan Mackey, has now served the Huntley community for over 20 years.

For more information, contact Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church at 847-669-9448. Visit the website at www. sotp.org and follow on Facebook.