Backpacks, both old and new, across Fort Worth had one final stop to make before heading to yellow school buses and classrooms this month.
Church.
A sea of students buzzed with excitement outside a worship room at University Christian Church’s Sunday service. Each student brought a backpack; some adorned in pink sparkles, others with little charms hooked to the side. One took the shape of Bowser’s shell from the Super Mario video game franchise.
At the beginning of the service, the students walked up to the front of the room where service was being held, closed their eyes and opened their palms to receive a blessing.
“When these children’s feet walk into the building, make each step brave. Brave to reach out in kindness to the classmate next to them. … God, let these children live in a way they know they are deeply and completely loved,” said the Rev. Mariah Newell, minister of children and families.
Like many places of worship nationwide, University Christian Church held a blessing of the backpacks ceremony on Aug. 9 — the Sunday before the first day of school.
Incoming first grader Merritt Cartmel sported her light pink Hello Kitty backpack. She was particularly drawn to the bag because it glows in the dark, her dad Zack Cartmel said.
During the blessing, the students received a tag to tie on their bags that read “You & Me? We’re neighbors!”
“It’s a good starting point for the school year and meaningful in terms of having a prayer to enter the school year and thinking about how she can be a neighbor,” Cartmel said.
University Christian Church congregants pray over students during its Sunday services ahead of the new school year on Aug. 9, 2026. (Marissa Greene | Fort Worth Report)
The blessing of the Sunday message explored the meaning behind the scripture, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” found in the Book of Romans.
The Rev. Russ Peterman, senior minister of the church, said the meaning of the passage centers on where the feet are willing to travel in offering grace and sharing the gospel with others.
As a new academic year begins, Peterman asked congregants to consider the thousands of students moving into the neighborhood to begin their semester at Texas Christian University. Many will be living on their own for the first time, wondering whether they belong anywhere, he said.
Peterman encouraged the congregation to live out their faith through support of new students by being patient at crosswalks, being kind in grocery stores and having an open eye on Sunday morning for someone who looks lost.
“We are not meant to be observers of that moment. We are the community they are being planted into,” Peterman said. “May we carry the good news of that grace that doesn’t have to be earned, but to carry that grace to someone who needs it badly and will receive it gladly.”
Caris Wheatley attended service as a Pascal High School graduate. While she didn’t bring a backpack to be blessed, the message resonated with the 17-year-old ahead of her first semester at TCU.
“I just hope for a great school year for everyone,” Wheatley said. “Remember(ing) that the word is already in my heart and to spread it as much as I can.”
Marissa Greene is the Faith and Fellowships Editor at the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.
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