September 17, 2003

Children's Sabbath

Children's Sabbath is Sunday, October 19. Now in its twelfth year, Children's Sabbath is a day "for people of all ages and all faiths to learn about the urgent needs of children and the mandate in every faith tradition to nurture and protect children, to seek justice on their behalf." The goal is to generate new, long-term efforts to meet children's needs by raising awareness, serving children directly, and advocating on children's behalf. Community of Christ congregations have been involved in Children's Sabbath activities for several years.

The National Observance for Children's Sabbaths was created by Marian Wright Edelman, 1995 recipient of the Community of Christ International Peace Award for her work for children's rights in the United States. More than just a children's day, Children's Sabbath is about faith communities committing themselves to work for the rights and safety of children. 

The October 19 lesson in Power and Light for Kids focuses on the Rights of the Child. Year B Worship Resources features a section on the National Observance of Children's Sabbath. Additional resources, including Providing What God Requires and Children Need: Justice, Kindness, and Faith, can be ordered from the Children's Defense Fund at www.childrensdefense.org/ms_childsab.php.

--Diane Sadler reporting