Back to School Bash and Blessing of the Backpacks set at Point Washington Family Life Center

When bells ring Aug. 12 for the beginning of a new year, students from Point Washington United Methodist Church will be well prepared. They will arrive blessed and ready to face new challenges.

The “work” of children is going to school, and learning is their “job,” and many congregations celebrate the Sunday before school starts with a concrete expression of their support for students, teachers, parents and all involved in the school system.

A Back to School Bash and Blessing of the Backpacks will be held Sunday, Aug. 8, with dinner at 5 p.m., followed by the blessing at 5:45 and a concert featuring Celia Whitler at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center at Point Washington United Methodist Church. There is no charge for the event, but donations will be accepted for the dinner and a love offering will be taken for Whitler. For information, call the church at 231-4928.

“It’s just a big night to celebrate kids going back to school,” Cherie Meadows, children’s minister, told The Sun. “We want to pray for the children as they go to school and show support for them and their education.”

All children are invited to bring their backpacks and join in the celebration.

“We also encourage teachers and other education professionals to bring their totes, briefcases or backpacks,” said Meadows.

After the blessing, singer, songwriter, author, speaker, friend, wife and mom Celia Whitler will take the stage.

“She has been to the church before and speaks well to all ages, so she was a natural choice for this event,” said Meadows.

Whitler holds degrees in Christian education and elementary education from Centenary College of Louisiana, and after college she taught school for five years in the Louisiana and Texas public schools.

But she soon felt a “nudge” to explore singing, and began writing songs, recording music and performing in concerts.

In November of 1989, Whitler began singing occasional concerts on weekends and by the spring of 1991, she chose to leave teaching as a profession and follow the less traveled road, devoting her full attention to the vocation of singing.

“Singing is a direct response to what life has taught me,” she says on her website. “At the age of three, I can remember singing at revivals with my dad who was a pastor. Of course, I had to stand on a chair to be seen over the pulpit! My life, my music and my work are all gifts from God, and I believe God calls each of us to reach beyond our human existence and to live a life modeled after Christ. Music is my means of communicating that calling — reaching beyond words to bring healing, encouragement and joy.”

Combining the roles of speaker and singer, Whitler leads songs of interaction, praise and worship, hymns and sings original songs that tell stories. With three published books, eight recorded albums, curriculum pieces, numerous original songs and a degree in Christian education, she has practiced telling stories through a variety of different formats.

Whitler has sung for more than 1,100 concerts and at a variety of events, including retreats, corporate events, camps and workshops on writing and worship leading. She writes both Christian and secular songs and performs regularly at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

“I love life and singing songs about life,” she says on her website. “Singing has been an answer to a calling. I want people to know that our life and our faith is an exciting and dynamic adventure — to share Christ's message of unconditional love and to encourage others in their journeys. I encourage you to find your voice, your calling.”