MANCHESTER, NH – Think you have everything you need for back to school? If you are checking off your long list, don’t forget God’s blessing.
Brookside Congregational Church will again offer a “Blessing of the Backpacks” during its Re-Covenanting Sunday on Sept. 9 during the 10 a.m. worship service.
Children will be invited to come up to the front of the sanctuary with their backpacks to receive a blessing during Children’s Time. Sunday School and childcare are also available for infants and toddlers during the worship service.
“It’s that time of year when you get back on schedule and face new challenges – and back to school can bring all kinds of emotions for kids,” said Rev. Eric Jackson, Senior Pastor at Brookside Congregation Church. “Let’s send our children into a new year with God’s blessing and encouraged by His word. Don’t forget your backpack!”
Following the service, a family picnic will be held on the Manning House lawn. Everyone is welcome.
Brookside church is located at 2013 Elm St. in the North End of Manchester. Brookside Congregational Church, U.C.C. is an open and affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person, since we are all created in God’s image.
About Brookside Congregational Church
The church invites everyone to join in the common life and mission of reconciling community through participation and leadership in its congregation, and by fully sharing in the worship, rites and sacraments of the church. Brookside Congregational Church is a member of the United Church of Christ, the Hillsborough Association, the NH Conference, and United Church of Christ. For more information please visit http://www.brooksidecc.org.
Community Outreach
Brookside Congregational Church has a tremendous impact on the Greater Manchester community as it provides not only a place of Sunday worship for parishioners, but it also provides a common location for numerous local nonprofits and community organizations to gather on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The mission of Brookside is community-focused. In keeping with its mission, the Church is utilized by over 30 organizations in the Manchester area. The groups that use the Brookside buildings include support groups for alcoholics, overeaters, girl scouts, grief counseling, a community garden for refugee immigrants and neighbors of Brookside, and various other services including a parish nursing program and local theater group. In addition, two small congregations meet weekly in Brookside’s chapel and the Church is also home to Pastoral Counseling Services and a thrift shop that caters to the community.
