Stuff You Can Use: Fall Teacher Blessing via Zoom

Many congregations, including mine, bless teachers at the start of the school year. This year, we did so during live Zoom worship. Since it worked well and we heard many good things about it, I'm posting it below in case you're looking for something to use with your congregation. 

Person 1: It's our custom as a congregation to walk with people through the milestones in their lives as well as to offer blessings to different people at various points in the year. Of course, as families and teachers know, this is the back to school season.  

Person 2: Today, we want to recognize those who teach school. If you are a teacher anywhere – whether you teach preschool, college, or anything in between - please clap your virtual hands, which you can find on your zoom toolbar under reactions.

Person 1: On this most unusual of all years, we also want to acknowledge all the parents who never planned on being teachers, but who now find themselves managing distance learning or perhaps even unexpectedly homeschooling their child. If this describes you, please clap your virtual hands, which again, you can find on your zoom toolbar under reactions.

Person 2: School teachers, we feel like Romans 8:22 is especially relevant for you. “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.” This year, there has been LOTS of groaning happening with regard to school, much of it unfairly directed at you. For that, we ask your forgiveness. In so many ways, you’re being asked to do the impossible – to be all things to all people while educating our kids in the midst of a global pandemic. We know that you have put in countless hours refining lessons and preparing to teach in new, often challenging environments. With that in mind, please chat in one prayer request you have as the school year begins.

(Recap the chat)

Person 1: Parents, we know that you have your own set of worries as the school year begins. Please chat in a prayer request you have as the school year begins.

(Recap the chat)

Person 2: As we thought about what to say to bless you this year, we kept returning to the Beatitudes. These words of blessing feel especially relevant NOW, for those who are forming our children and youth, in school, at home, and here at church.

Person 1: If you’re physically with a teacher, please move to them and lay a hand of blessing on them as we pray. Children – please place your hand on your parents as we pray these words from the Beatitudes (Message translation). Then we invite EVERYONE to respond with these words: Lord, give us grace.

Person 2: Teachers & parents: You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

All: Lord, give us grace. 

Person 1: You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

All: Lord, give us grace.

Person 2: You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

All: Lord, give us grace. 

Person 1: You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

All: Lord, give us grace.

Person 2: You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

All: Lord, give us grace.

Person 1: Teachers & parents – May you experience God’s abundant blessings this year as you teach and lead with grace and humility, trusting God to provide you with all that you need, each exhausting day. Amen.