Loving God,
We come to you in gratitude today
Giving thanks for fellowship and friendship
And the promise of a new school year full of hopes and plans
We welcome our new colleagues into our family and ask that you bless them and guide them as they begin their journey with us
Bless and guide those of us who join them today as we seek to share our well-worn and well-intentioned paths with them, and as we delight in learning what new things they have to teach us
Help us to be present and compassionate for those for whom these new beginnings bring fear and uncertainty
Lead us in all the work we do, so that our students may reap the benefits of our collective wisdom and experience
And let us all marvel in the joy of being together on this beautiful day
Amen