As August winds down and the familiar chaos of back-to-school preparations takes over our homes, there’s an unmistakable energy in the air. New backpacks are packed (and already mysteriously dirty), school supplies are organized (for now), and families across Brecksville are navigating that delicate balance of excitement and sheer panic that comes with new beginnings.
At St. Matthew’s, we recognize that the back-to-school season isn’t just about surviving the morning carpool line—it’s about growth in all its forms, including spiritual growth.
Creating Sacred Space in Busy Schedules
The transition back to school often means forgetting where you put your coffee while searching for matching shoes at 7:30 AM. Here are some gentle ways to weave faith into your family’s beautiful chaos:
Morning Moments: Start each day with a simple prayer or blessing. It can be as brief as “God, help us learn something new today and show kindness to others”—even if you’re saying it while frantically making sandwiches.
Evening Reflections: At dinner, invite family members to share one thing they learned and one way they showed kindness. Pro tip: “I learned the cafeteria pizza isn’t that bad” totally counts.
Sunday Reset: Make Sunday worship your weekly anchor, whether you join us in person at 10:00 AM or online via Zoom in your pajamas (we won’t judge).
Teaching Children About God’s Unconditional Love
When your child inevitably comes home declaring they’re “terrible at everything” because they struggled with long division, this is the perfect time to reinforce our core belief: God loves you—no exceptions. Not even when you forget your homework. Again.
Help your children understand that their worth isn’t determined by grades, popularity, or whether they remembered their lunch money. They are cherished members of God’s family, and that truth remains constant whether they’re struggling with fractions or celebrating being line leader.
Embracing Learning as Spiritual Practice
At St. Matthew’s, we believe that all learning is sacred—yes, even learning to navigate middle school drama. When children study science, they’re discovering God’s creation. When they work through challenging problems, they’re building the resilience God gave them. And when they learn to share toys in kindergarten, they’re practicing the love that Jesus taught us.
Supporting Our Community
Our mission calls us to serve generously and welcome all. During this season, let’s pray for teachers (they need all the help they can get), support families who might need assistance with school supplies, and warmly welcome new families to our schools and community.
A Time for Adult Growth Too
Back-to-school season isn’t only for children. Maybe it’s time for you to join a Bible study, explore a new ministry, or finally learn that creative skill you’ve been putting off. After all, if your six-year-old can master sight words, you can probably handle that pottery class.
Finding God in Every Season
Whether you’re facing the excitement of new opportunities or wondering how you’ll survive another year of science fair projects, remember that you don’t walk this path alone. Our church community is here to support you, and most importantly, God walks with you every step of the way—even through the homework battles.
Join Us This Sunday
If you’re looking for a church home as you settle into new routines, we invite you to join us. We gather every Sunday at 10:00 AM at 9549 Highland Drive in Brecksville, or online via Zoom. Come as you are—coffee stains and all.
May this back-to-school season be filled with wonder, growth, and the deep peace that comes from knowing you are beloved.
