September 20 - October 17
Light a Candle WITH Children is a daily devotion that invites congregations to join in prayer and devotions with our children. The vigil begins four weeks before the National Observance of Children's Sabbath sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund, Washington, DC. Thousands of congregations from multiple faith groups unite during Children's Sabbath weekend to simultaneously witness for children through prayer, education, and worship.
Join us this year to listen first so we know where to heal.
Grace and Peace,
This year's Children's Sabbath celebration will be Sunday October 17, 2021.
This year's theme is: Where does it Hurt? Listening to Heal our Children?
Listening through our foundational stories is one way to listen to children. Children Worship & Wonder provides a way of safety, Listening, talking and hearing God
You can find the daily devotion here on the blog or:
Facebook: facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren
Introduction
The 2021 Children’s Sabbath, “Where Does It Hurt?” Listening to Heal Our Children, is encouraging Communities of faith to take action. Where can we start? Listen. Here is the best action that is the start of true social change. Children’s Defense Fund shares, “Why Listen? Listening is the heartbeat of movement building If we want to create social change, we have to stop talking, open our hearts, and listen without judgment or assumptions. When we listen, hear, and respond, our efforts to improve parent-school and student-school relations are organic and grassroots in nature. We move away from becoming “advocates” (literally “those who speak for”) and support families as they take their power, own their experiences and needs, find their voices, and take collective action to make the changes they want to see for their community’s children and youth. With Family Suppers, participants gather in the name of success for all students. Together, participants can see their value as individuals as well as the influence they can have in the school system if they work together, support each other, and advocate collectively for what they believe their children need.”
Many churches in our denomination have Children Worship & Wonder. This experience of God is a place where we can start in this listening practice. This year’s devotions are ways you can experience a little of what happens each Sunday morning with children. It will be in three parts: 1) You will read the story, 2) you will watch the story, and 3) you we hear reflections from the Children Worship & Wonder Trainers. As you work through the stories take time to reconnect with your inner child and wonder each day,
I wonder what is the most important part of this story?
I wonder where you are in this story?
I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?
We would like to hear your responses if you are willing to share. Please send to Light A Candle Blog at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.
The 2021 Children’s Sabbath, “Where Does It Hurt?” Listening to Heal Our Children, is encouraging Communities of faith to take action. Where can we start? Listen. Here is the best action that is the start of true social change. Children’s Defense Fund shares, “Why Listen? Listening is the heartbeat of movement building If we want to create social change, we have to stop talking, open our hearts, and listen without judgment or assumptions. When we listen, hear, and respond, our efforts to improve parent-school and student-school relations are organic and grassroots in nature. We move away from becoming “advocates” (literally “those who speak for”) and support families as they take their power, own their experiences and needs, find their voices, and take collective action to make the changes they want to see for their community’s children and youth. With Family Suppers, participants gather in the name of success for all students. Together, participants can see their value as individuals as well as the influence they can have in the school system if they work together, support each other, and advocate collectively for what they believe their children need.”
Many churches in our denomination have Children Worship & Wonder. This experience of God is a place where we can start in this listening practice. This year’s devotions are ways you can experience a little of what happens each Sunday morning with children. It will be in three parts: 1) You will read the story, 2) you will watch the story, and 3) you we hear reflections from the Children Worship & Wonder Trainers. As you work through the stories take time to reconnect with your inner child and wonder each day,
I wonder what is the most important part of this story?
I wonder where you are in this story?
I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?
We would like to hear your responses if you are willing to share. Please send to Light A Candle Blog at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.
Join us this year to listen first so we know where to heal.
Grace and Peace,
Lisa Engelken
Rev. Lisa Engelken
Rev. Lisa Engelken
Minister for Children Worship & Wonder
