The Power of Blessing – August 15, 2011 On this coming Sunday, August 21, our congregation will gather to sing, celebrate, pray, and place trust our God who blesses us. It’s our annual Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday and we believe in the power of a blessing.

We invite Trinity and the Tea community to join us and claim the promise that God will bless another year of learning. Way back in biblical history, Abram (later Abraham) is given a blessing from God in Genesis 12: 2&3 and the power behind that blessing has sustained God’s people throughout history:

 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;

 I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you

 I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

As Christians, our faith in Christ grants us the blessings of Abraham, the inheritance of God’s richest blessings. And as I read these Genesis blessings I really think that they include everything that we will pray for this Sunday:

     Greatness: Don’t we all yearn to be great?

                            In this blessing we learn that it is God who makes us great

     Protection: Don’t we all hope and pray for safe schools?

                           God chooses to bless us and curse those who would harm us.

     Witness: Don’t we all strive to be good and help others?

                           God promises that as you will affect others for good.

So, spread the word and bring your backpacks; we’ve got a year of learning to bless.

Blessings to you and yours in the name of Jesus Christ!

Tom Stadem, AIM Youth and Family/Music Director