Promotion Sunday is inevitably one of the busiest days in the life of a children’s or youth minister. The day typically falls on the heels of back-to-back playdates and camps taking place throughout the summer, but should be a momentous occasion for those children or youth moving into a new grade or Sunday School class. As the minister overseeing the day, its meaning can get swept away in all the details.
But on Sunday afternoon, I came home from church refreshed and excited.
Last year, the staff met and decided to try a “Blessing of Teachers and Students” in worship along with our traditional Promotion Sunday activities. We knew we wanted to invite teachers and students from the area in order to bless them along with the host of teachers and students we already have at Broadway.
After the second year of blessing teachers and students, I can say without hesitation that this is quickly becoming my favorite service at Broadway. I love seeing educators from the community, hearing the voices of children and youth lead worship, and watching as people lay hands on one another. The service is such a joyful and affirming way to start the new school year.
This year, our parking lot was filled with educators from Chenoweth Elementary and the West End School, our two mission partner schools. Guests posted on Facebook about how blessed they felt at Broadway!
When I asked the children what it felt like to have people lay hands on them, they said, “It made me feel like someone cared a lot about me.”
The Blessing of Teachers and Students has truly become a model for the hospitality and blessing we offer at Broadway. Thank you for entrusting your ministers to plan and execute such meaningful opportunities to bless and affirm such a selfless group of people.
-Emily Holladay