Today we remember the children and youth of this congregation and those involved in their education. The call to be involved in their education is a high calling. Those who teach our children help shape the future. We give thanks to a gracious God for the teachers, school administrators, counselors, school volunteers, support staff, cafeteria workers, school bus drivers, and all others who work in our schools.
PEOPLE: We celebrate your calling and pledge to support you and others in our communities who are involved in the education of children and youth. (Educators may be seated.)
LEADER: As we recognize those who teach in schools, we recognize as well those who teach at home. Will parents or guardians of our children and youth in school, who are able, please stand.
Education involves a partnership between school, home and community. The support of parents and guardians is essential to a child's success. This morning we recognize you for the support you give the students in your home. We hold in prayer all those in this congregation who have children and youth in school and pray that all homes will be a place where learning is valued and encouragement offered.
PEOPLE: We pledge our support to parents and guardians. We pray that our ministries will encourage and strengthen those in our church families who provide care for children. (Parents and guardians may be seated.)
LEADER: At this time I would like to invite our youth and children in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, junior high, or high school, if you are able, to stand.
Your church family believes that each of you is a gift from God filled with potential and possibility. We pray that as you learn and grow you will develop caring hearts and minds that think clearly. We believe in you and care about your education.
PEOPLE: As your faith community, we pledge to be with you on your educational journey. We affirm that each of you is a precious gift from God. We will do all that we are able to ensure that your schools are positive places filled with hope and the resources necessary for learning. (Children and youth may be seated.)
LEADER: Let us pray - Gracious God, we lift up to you all those involved in education in this community and in all the communities in our nation and world. Guide us, great God, that we will know the best way to show our interest and support for our students, teachers, and all those involved in education.
PEOPLE: We pray for wisdom and strength to make a positive difference in the lives of those in school. We pray for courage to explore new ways of supporting the people and institutions that teach our children and youth. We pray in the name of the great teacher, Jesus. Amen.
