¹¹ He himself granted that some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity,to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you from God, our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. Amen.

At our ‘Backpack Blessing’ we will be asking for God’s blessing upon the items we use in everyday life in our various vocations. While working on announcements for Rally’s Sunday’s ‘Backpack Blessing,’ I was brainstorming for a title that invited wider participation. Unfortunately, the catchiest was “vocational baggage,” which, while literally accurate, carries a different connotation than I intended. Therefore, it is staying ‘Backpack Blessing’ with some extra writing to extend the invitation to everyone.

Students carry the tools required for their vocation as students in their backpacks. Most of us have some kind of bag that reflects our own daily vocation. Some of us have knitting bags, briefcases, laptop bags, duffle bags, sewing cases, purses, or phone cases. No matter the size, design, or heft, our bags are filled with the gifts and talents God gives us to equip us for ministry.

I confess, I like bags. My husband laughs at me because I have different bags for different circumstances (Sunday AM bag, confirmation bag, home communion bag, funeral bag). Each bag is ready to go for any particular responsibility in my vocation as a pastor. Then of course, there are the ‘bags’ I carry to fulfill my callings as wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Many of us have multiple bags, either literally or figuratively, because we have multiple vocations. A laptop bag and diaper bag seem very different on the surface, but a new parent who works in technology does not want to misplace either. Each bag has its place and use. Just as each of us has various vocations, we also have the tools or gifts that God has given us to carry out those callings. We have what we need. God blesses our vocations and the tools given to us to fulfill them. God equips us and calls us to use those gifts to be a blessing to others.

While we bless backpacks at the beginning of the schoolyear, it is also a time to remember that God blesses all we are called to do. God blesses us in our daily lives. God blesses the tools we use in those vocations each day. No matter how big or small the bag may be, it is filled and blessed by God. Our daily use of those tools to shine Christ’s light and love glorifies God. As we celebrate the beginning of a new school year for our students, we also celebrate our diversity of vocations and the ‘equipment’ (gifts and talents) God provides that empower us to serve.

The grace and peace of God keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Carla