Pursuing Truth About Children

Monday, September 15, 2014

You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with the wicked to act as a malicious witness. You shall not follow a majority in wrongdoing; when you bear witness in a lawsuit, you shall not side with the majority so as to pervert justice; nor shall you be partial to the poor in a lawsuit. Exodus 23:1-3 NRSV

News reports such as those about the children at our borders fleeing violence and poverty in Central America often leave us feeling helpless and confused. What are we to do? 

Exodus calls us to pursue the truth directly and let it speak for itself. When it comes to caring for children, God calls us to learn the facts and put faces on those facts. God’s truth and power for shalom (healing and wholeness, justice and peace) is at its core, relational. 

While you can find online eyewitness reports from persons of faith on the front lines and denominational staffers can help you connect directly with children in need around the globe, the best course of action is for you to talk to teachers, social workers, and police in your own community. The effects of poverty, violence, and injustice are all around you. No community is immune.

As you follow God’s call to care for each and every one of God’s precious children remember the guidance of Exodus 23. Amidst popular misrepresentation and 

information overload, seek truth and let it speak to your heart. Then prayerfully let your life touch and be touched by children. Your life will be blessed to be a blessing.

Gracious God, motivate and equip us to seek the truth about children suffering from violence, poverty, and injustice in our local and global communities. Guide us to discern your wisdom and reach out to become a significant force against popular misrepresentation, confusion, and helplessness. Help us affirm in word and deed that each and every child is precious in your sight. Amen.

Kate Epperly

Family and Children’s Co-Minister for Disciples Home Missions and the Faith Formation Team of the United Church of Christ

When the Children Come, So Does the Kingdom

Sunday, September 14, 2014

When the Children Come, So Does the Kingdom

Answering the Call to Cherish and Protect Every Child

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Matthew 19:13-15 NRSV

Today she turns 16. Today he turns 16.

Sixteen years ago today two important people entered into my life in very different circumstances.

After being the youngest girl in my family for 19 years (and through 12 boys), my baby girl cousin came into this world with her big cheeks and crazy dark hair.

He was born to one of my best friends who was only 18 and had just lost her father and graduated high school.

Even at 19, I could not help but to love, protect, and cherish these children. Again and again they have shown me the Kingdom of God on Earth.  

Each day these meditations will help us cherish and protect those children we know and those we don’t know. These meditations will remind us to take action in words, movement, and prayer so that we continue to find ways to break down the barriers that keep children from Jesus’ love.

God of our Children, Help us to truly cherish each child as the blessing and gift that you have created as a masterpiece. Find ways for us to protect them from the dangers that threaten to keep them away from you and your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove

Family and Children’s Co-Minister for Disciples Home Missions and the Faith Formation Team of the United Church of Christ

Error in Book Fixed

An error on the date at the top of the devotional for Saturday, September 27 has been corrected in the downloadable book. This was never an error in the RSS feed, by email, or Facebook versions. The links on this page lead to the corrected version.

If you catch an error, please let us know.

2014 Writers

The following writers have volunteered their time and gifts to the Light a Candle ministry. 

Michelle Brown

Andrea Brownlee

Katie Carlson

David Cobb
Carol Cook

Doug Cripe

Kimberly Crowley

Nathan Dannison

Bruce Epperly

Kate Epperly

Molly Goodrich

Tim Graves

Donna Hanby

Kenneth Hardway

Samantha Houser

Marilynn Knott

Susan Meeter

Brian Morse

Tammy Nelson

Tracy Parker

Ruth Patterson

Laura Phillips

Janna Preston

Olivia Stewart Robertson

Chris Rodkey

Lisa Setty

Ann Shepherd

Robin Spurling

Aaron Todd

Jenny Tripses

Olivia Bryan Updegrove

Download the Printable Meditation Book Now!

As promised, the downloadable mediation for the 2014 Light a Candle for Children Prayer Vigil is now available. You can download it by clicking here or by clicking the tab above. If you have any difficulties, please email Tim Graves.

The 2014 Theme of Light a Candle

The theme for National Observance of Children’s Sabbath is set each year by the Children’s Defense Fund. The theme this year is Precious in God’s Sight: Answering the Call to Cherish and Protect Every Child. A variety of materials to help you with your observance of Children’s Sabbath -- including a downloadable manual -- is available at http://www.childrensdefense.org/programs-campaigns/faith-based-action/

The Light a Candle Prayer Vigil utilizes the Children's Defense Fund theme. In addition, this year Light a Candle has identified sub-themes. The sub-themes, in chronological order, are:

• God’s Call to Care for Children
• God’s Care for Children
• Children As a Blessing
• Children in Harm’s Way
• Our Call to Act

  

Your church may decide to emphasize one of the five sub-themes on each of the five Sundays of the Light a Candle Vigil.

Important Dates

Light a Candle 2014

Important Dates

Sunday, July 6-Monday, July 14

Call for Writers:

Calling all writers! Please consider writing a meditation for the 2014 Light a Candle for Children Meditation Booklet. If accepted you will be provided a scripture passage and guidelines. If you are interested, please email Tim Graves at rev.timgraves@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 15

Interested writers will be notified by email that they have been accepted to submit a meditation.

Tuesday, July 22

Scriptures and guidelines will be delivered to writers no later than July 22

Tuesday, August 12

Deadline for submission of meditations

Please submit as a Google Doc and share with Tim Graves

Tuesday, September 2

The printable Meditation Booklet will be available for download at www.lightacandle.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 14 through Sunday, October 19, 2014

Light a Candle Prayer Vigil

Sunday, October 19, 2014

National Observance of Children’s Sabbath