Back-to-school blessing offered in Lawton

To mark the beginning of the school year in Lawton, Pastors Norma Quinn and Chris Symes conducted the "Blessing of the Backpacks" on Aug. 15 at Centenary UMC.

The prayer ritual blessed students, school teachers, and Centenary members who work with children in any setting—plus backpacks, briefcases, and daily planners.

Pins imprinted with "I have been blessed" were presented to 102 people, who were in turn urged to "be a blessing to others." The blessing was offered in both the traditional and contemporary Sunday worship services.