As the new school year gets underway, we’d love to invite neighborhood kids to bring their backpacks to our front porch for a little “Blessing of the Backpacks.”
Join us for year 15 of this little tradition!
We’ll offer a short blessing and some encouragement for the year ahead—and, of course, a scoop of ice cream to celebrate! 
WHAT: 15th Annual Blessing of the Backpacks
WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th at 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Huff Front Porch- 5208 16th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
This will be short and sweet...
Have your kids bring their backpacks and we'll gather at 4:30 for a blessing.
Ice cream will be served after! :)
Blessing of the Backpacks
God, bless this school year, this new season,
this chance to discover the world anew.
We sense the anticipation of something about to happen,
of all our preparation and worry and excitement
for new friendships and challenges and opportunities.
God, bless these backpacks,
these symbols of fresh beginning.
And bless every kid who carries their heavy load,
as all the new questions rise up in their hearts and minds.
God, bless this new environment and everyone in it.
The teachers and professors who ready their classrooms,
creating opportunities for learning and belonging.
The administrators and staff as they stretch hearts and minds,
and feel their own stretching too.
The parents and caregivers who carry the weight
of loving, protecting, and raising these kids.
God, bless all who begin this journey of a new year,
With every step they take, may they feel your presence
and hear you say, “I love you. I am with you. You are loved.”
Each and every one.
-Kate Bowler
What a magical week together in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
So very grateful for the colors that popped, the trails that challenged us, the backcountry huts that welcomed us, and the good times gathered around the table or huddled around our camp stove.
Grateful, too, for our little “one-room schoolhouse”—for learning and growing, for the unexpected lessons along the way, and for the grace, love, laughter, and connection that made this week so special.
So many things to be grateful for. So much beauty to carry home.
