A Prayer Service for Children A liturgy for congregations celebrating Children's Sabbath and may be used before or during the Chidren's Sabbath weekend. You may also use this liturgy any time of the year. I Am A Child of God A song composed for Children and the Church used during 40 Days of Prayer Vigil/Children's Sabbath. This song may be included in your worship service in celebration of Children's Sabbath or anytime throughout the year. Children's Sabbath Weekend Celebrate Children's Sabbath Weekend, October 17-19, 2008. Light a Candle for Children: 40 Days of Prayer Vigil and National Observance of Children's Sabbath Light a Candle for Children, an advocacy and prayer vigil project, invites congregations to join in 40 days of prayer for children. It begins 40 days prior to the annual observance of the National Children's Sabbaths which takes place during the third weekend of October. Theme: "Putting Our Faith Into Action to Seek Justice for Children." Scripture: Micah 6:8 Six Sundays of Prayer/40 Days of Prayer Observance These prayers may be prayed at the beginning of the worship service or during the pastoral prayers. You will need a candle and the prayer for that Sunday.

Words from Lutie O. Lee,
Minister for Children and Families

Little did I know that all along my life's journey God has been preparing me to be the next UCC Minister for Children and Families.  I come with experience, passion, research, and study. My thirty years of teaching experience with diverse children, youth and their parents will keep me connected with their world.

Becoming your new Minister for Children and Families, I will devote my energy in promoting resource materials that honor the "groans and moans" of our diverse family structures. In developing worship and education materials, I want to uphold Jesus' teachings of what makes a family a family. He established a new order of family life contrary to the world order. Jesus advocated reversal of family values. Be ready for me because I will be bold in proclaiming heaven on earth following Jesus' example. What will be our theology for family living and principles for Christian family ministry?  Jesus' teachings must shape our humanity rather than the culture influencing our behavior and values.

COMING SOON 2008 ADVENT CALENDAR FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

The creation of an Advent Calendar for 2008 is one of the many projects I am working on as the new Minister for Children and Families. It is my hope that the calendar will generate such a positive response becoming a yearly resource offered by this ministry.

 The theme for the 2008 Advent Calendar is “Children and Families at the Margins.”  A word of caution is offered in interpreting the context of ‘margin” for this calendar theme. In this context, “margin” refers to people in our society whose lives are often pushed to the margins due to a variety of factors: their experience of financial hardships, their illegal status in taking up residence in the United States, divorce, homelessness, sexual orientation, or similar situations.  (Thus, people living in the “margins” do not exclusively mean immigrants of color.  It may have been an oversight on my part for not providing an explanation in the brochure).

As an example: I met a white grandmother who feels pushed to the margins because of how her six-year-old grandson with special needs is viewed by others. When her son and daughter-in-law moved to live closer to her, the church they attended refused to allow the six-year-old to be with the other six-years-olds in Sunday school and instead suggested that he should be with the toddlers. The couple was outraged.  The family is still searching for a church that would provide an extravagant welcome for their son.

I am seeking stories that will nurture a desire among children to show compassion, do justice, and walk humbly with God.  The stories will ideally be shared as children and families read them as meditations.  Eventually, as faith formation is encouraged by the Advent Calendar readings, the children and their families will see that Jesus was at the margins of the society as well—indicated by the nature of his birth.

I have been working with UCC networks of Christian Educators and pastors to identify families who may wish to participate in this calendar; fifteen families so far have told stories for our publication. We are seeking ten more. Do you have a story, or is there a family in your church whom you would recommend to work with us?

Many thanks!

Lutie O. Lee

Minister for Children and Families

leel@ucc.org

(216) -736-3863

Build a Village

An interactive website for the whole family, featuring alternative holiday and year-round gift giving opportunities in support of the life-changing work of Church World Service — as well as stories, games, and other activities for children of all ages.

40 Days of Prayer/ Children's Sabbath Service Project

As we have in years past , we are suggesting that local church congregations participate in the Church World Service Kit Program. In 2005 we focused on School Kits because coordinators of the AKit Program@ express a great need for these kits. However, this year there is a great need for all kits. So we are suggesting that you and your local congregation make a selection from the list of kits - School Kits, Clean Up Kits, Health Kits, or Baby Kits (Layette) - and send your kits to Church World Service. You will find the kits, items for each and the mailing address by going to the following website: www.churchworldservice.org, once the page is open , click on ATools, Blankets and Kits@ at the top of the screen, once this page opens, you will see the words A How To Make and Ship Church World Service Kits@ and click on these words. You will see a listing of kits and items needed.. Click on the kit that your congregation will pack and send to CWS. i.e. Health Kits . Once you have clicked on the kit of your choice, you will see the mailing address and procedures for sending your kits to Church World Service. Questions? Call the regional office at 888-297-2767.

Ordering the Children's Sabbath Manual

You may call (865)-457-6466 x 105 or kibby@childrnesdefense.org to request an order form for ordering the Children's Sabbath Manual.

Materials for reflection and your use

The United Church of Christ Forty Days of Prayer and Children's Sabbath Packet
Children and Families in Worship: Two Perspectives
A bibliography: multi-cultural education for emersion
Evaluating books form (multi-cultural education)
Children and Communion Suggested Resources
Principles For Christian Family Ministry
Three Themes for the Theology of Family Living 
A Prayer For the Family 
Tips On Choosing a Bible for Children 
Children's Sabbath Packet (Information coming soon)