August 1st, 2025 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Dear Beloved Friends,  

This week is the week- the week of back-to-school preparations! Beginning this Sunday, we will welcome dozens of our teachers from across Nassau County to our Teacher Supply Fair where they will find free resources to support their classrooms. This is a small way that we can show love to our teachers who work tirelessly to care for our kids and the kids in our community.

I asked my son Austin what he would say to teachers as they go back to school and he said, “Thank you for taking care of me!” And no matter the age, whether our kids are five, twelve, or seventeen, our educators are present, five days a week, eight hours a day, thirty-six weeks a year, to offer guidance and essential knowledge for our kids to grow into their own identity. It is a gift to have a great teacher, and, though I have been out of school for many years, I still remember and keep in touch with the ones who made the greatest impact on my life.  

The following Sunday, as a way to start the school year off well, we will send off our educators and our students (of all ages) with a Blessing of the Backpacks. Bring your work bag, your laptop case, or your school bag on August 10th to receive a blessing and a little backpack tag to remind you that God is with you always and that God loves you.

Thank you, teachers, for serving our community in such an important way! Let’s show up this week in a big way to offer our thanks for all that they do.  

With Love and Peace,  

 Pastor Rachel