August 7th, 2026 | Rev. Angie Long

This is the first year I won't be preparing, moving, or planning for one of our children to start school. While they are both getting ready for college classes, they are already settled into their housing and continuing studies they've already begun. It is an exciting season in their lives, but I find myself missing the anticipation of a new school year. Gathering supplies, packing backpacks, meeting teachers, and discovering new classrooms always brought a sense of excitement, along with a little nervousness.

To help ease some of those first-week jitters, we will celebrate the Blessing of the Backpacks during worship this Sunday. The best part is that this blessing is for students of all ages and for teachers as well. Be sure to bring your backpack, book bag, or teacher's tote and join us as we send one another into the new school year with God's peace and love.

We also celebrate the return of our VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten Program) at Lamb Early Education Center (EEC) on Monday. This unique Florida program provides free early education for four-year-olds, helping prepare them for kindergarten and the years ahead. What a blessing it is to offer this opportunity right here through Lamb!

Though my children are long past those preschool years, I still remember how important early education was in their development. Programs like VPK do more than introduce learning. They help children adjust to the rhythms of school while building confidence and community. What a wonderful opportunity we have to nurture some of God's beloved children. I am grateful for the dedicated staff, teachers, and supporters of Lamb EEC and Memorial who make this ministry possible.

As the new school year begins, please keep all students, teachers, administrators, and parents in your prayers.

This Sunday we will also continue our series on how God shapes us toward hope. Last week, we reflected on the unique gifts God has given each of us, gifts woven into our lives from the very beginning and meant to be used throughout our journey. This week, we will visit the potter's house and discover that, in God's hands, nothing is wasted and nothing is beyond redemption. Every experience and every part of who we are can be used for God's good purposes and for the good of God's kingdom. What good news indeed!

I hope you will join us this Sunday, either in person or online, as together we explore what this promise means for our lives today.

Blessings,

Pastor Angie