Advocating for Children

The national observance of Children’s Sabbaths will occur on October 16, 2011, but the hope of the movement is that those involved in celebrating children in their congregations will also advocate and be involved in the lives of children for a lifetime. This year’s theme for the Children’s Sabbath celebration is “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue: Answering God’s Call to Protect Children.” Our congregation does much to enhance the lives of children through the ministries we participate in and the children we encounter in our families and communities. We support many great efforts like “Stuff the Bus” and “Operation Back Pack.” We work collectively to send children and youth to camps each summer so their lives are enriched by a deep and abiding love of Jesus Christ in a safe environment staffed by individuals committed to loving and working with children while sharing their faith.

There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. As part of our participation in this year’s Children’s Sabbath Prayer Vigil my weekly newsletter articles will emphasize ways to advocate for children or to get more involved in the lives of the children. This week I bring your attention to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass:

For over fifty-four years, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass has been working to provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change a child’s life for the better, forever. Children matched in their program demonstrate increased educational success, improved self-confidence, strengthened family and community relationships, higher aspirations, and the ability to avoid risky behaviors. As a result, they become responsible, productive citizens.

Big Brothers Big Sisters operates on the belief that change tends to happen in a child’s life gradually as a result of a collection of moments, moments like: teaching a child to tie their shoes, reassuring a child that there is someone they can count on, or helping a teen move into their college dorm room. Volunteers give a little of their time each week, and that gift adds up to a lasting impact in the lives of their "Littles" and in our communities.

The work of Big Brothers/Big Sisters is critical to our community. They rely on the volunteer efforts and donations of community members to operate and touch the lives of the children they serve. Please consider volunteering your time as a Big Brother or Big Sister today. You can give to this worthy organization here. Your offerings, when combined with the gifts of others, will add up to a lasting impact in the lives of the children they serve and will positively impact our community.

For more information contact Andrea Myers at [email protected].

Blessings,
Tracy