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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the blessing, the students received a tag to tie on their bags that read \u201cYou & Me? We\u2019re neighbors!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d Cartmel said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/BackpackBlessings_MYG20260809-1-1024x683.jpg\")
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)<\/p>\n
The blessing of the Sunday message explored the meaning behind the scripture, \u201cHow beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!\u201d found in the Book of Romans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not meant to be observers of that moment. We are the community they are being planted into,\u201d Peterman said. \u201cMay we carry the good news of that grace that doesn\u2019t have to be earned, but to carry that grace to someone who needs it badly and will receive it gladly.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Caris Wheatley attended service as a Pascal High School graduate. While she didn\u2019t bring a backpack to be blessed, the message resonated with the 17-year-old ahead of her first semester at TCU.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI just hope for a great school year for everyone,\u201d Wheatley said. \u201cRemember(ing) that the word is already in my heart and to spread it as much as I can.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Marissa Greene is the Faith and Fellowships Editor at the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n