Conference Task Force on Children & Poverty
Worship Resources for Children's Sabbath
This year, the United Methodist Church will observe Children’s Sabbath October 8-10, 2010. Children's Sabbath is an ecumenically celebrated weekend committed to educating the congregation about the state of today’s children and families in America. Children provide leadership through music, sharing of gifts, and reading of scripture. The Children's Sabbath Manual for 2010 is now available at the following link:
Downloadable resources for this event are available through the Children’s Defense Fund http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/2010-childrens-sabbaths-manual.html .
Use an interactive map to find ideas that worked in congregations and communities in 2009 http://www.childrensdefense.org/programs-campaigns/faith-based-action/childrens-sabbaths/interactive-map-2009.html
***************************************************************
Start the Conversation
Please visit our new "Start the Conversation" page for a video and small-group study questions about how the church can respond to the recent cuts in funding for services for the most vulnerable members of our society.
Foster Care
150 Ways to Connect - Foster Care Book Now Available
150 Ways to Connect with Children & Youth in Foster Care by Gary P. Webb is a great resource to help you and your church discover ways to be in ministry with those living within the foster care system. Copies of the book are available from the Outreach office for $5. FACT SHEET
Want to become more involved in foster care issues? There are 5 ways churches can become more involved in outreach opportunities.
Host a Big event - gather children and youth together from multiple group homes to celebrate celebrations, religious holidays and other outreach events.
Individual Home Visits - send in individuals, families or ministry groups during the week and on weekends to spend one on one time with children.
Adopt a Group Home - adopt a specific home, providing personalized servcies and products needed in that home, such as new bed sheets, towels, room decorations, minor repairs and painting.
Sponsor a Home - if a church cannot participate physically, how about financial sponsorship - a great option. Monthly sponsorships are available for an individual bed, a room, or an entire house.
Promote Adoption & Foster Family Opportunities - Raise awareness! For more information go to www.offcampusjams.org
Ongoing Initiatives:
Foster Care - In an effort to undergird families who participate in foster care, the Children & Poverty Task Force will be working to identify current respite care givers, as well as train new care givers.
Upcoming Legislation - The Task Force will be reviewing any legislation as it affects children and the poor. We look for your input as well.
Information on HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia - There is a series of 5 documentaries you can view online (or order) about this important issue. Learn more about Seeds of Hope.
In The News...
The situation continues to worsen for the poor in the Desert Southwest Conference geographic area. Program cuts have lessened matching federal dollars. Grave cuts are affecting children, the mentally ill, and the elderly in particular, though all citizens are at risk in one form or another. If you have particular issues you would like to post regarding the direction your city or state is taking, please contact the Chair of Children & Poverty, Rev. Rula Colvin, at revru(at)aol.com.