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According to the Children’s Defense Fund:
- more than 9 million children under age 19 have no health insurance
- affordable healthcare, after-school care, and day care is an ongoing concern of millions of Americans
- a reported 3 million children are suspected to be abused
- more than 13 million children do not have regular access to food
One way United Methodist Women remember the “least of these” is by celebrating a Children’s Sabbath in churches across the nation. Normally celebrated in October, any Sunday can be a perfect day to celebrate fathers, mothers, children and families. And now is a good time to start planning a Children’s Sabbath event.
The Children’s Sabbath encourages a long-term commitment from United Methodist Women and their congregations based on education, advocacy, prayer, and action to make the world just for poor children and their families.
The creativity of churches to educate and involve their members on the plight of families is wide-ranging:
- Court-appointed child advocates, pediatricians, teachers and others addressing congregations on the needs of children
- Devotionals on children’s issues for church members
- Children’s art displays
- Collections of diapers, blankets, craft supplies, school supplies, and other essential items for children
- Letter-writing campaigns advocating for laws that protect children and enhance their lives
- Special programs and celebrations for children themselves
The 2005 Children’s Sabbath Materials are available this summer from the Service Center. Call 1-800-305-9857 or www.scorders.org . “Putting our Faith into Action to Seek Justice for Children” will provide worship resources, long-term action ideas, lesson plans, interfaith ideas, and hands-on advocacy ideas.
Date posted:
Jul 11, 2005
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