My Three Takeaways from this Year’s Children’s Sabbath
Although this is year marks the 30th year of the national observance of Children’s Sabbath, this in only my fourth year being a part of this most meaningful worship service at Pullen. Organized by the Children’s Defense Fund, we join other multi-faith worship services in prayers, worship and action as we seek to know more about the urgent problems facing our nation’s children and—most importantly–inspiring new, year-round action to protect them. Since my involvement, it has always given me, the church staff and our children’s leaders’ great satisfaction to assist children as they help lead our worship during this service, giving them a voice on this special day. Each year I’ve become more attached to Children’s Sabbath. In reflecting about this year’s Children’s Sabbath, here are three impressions I’m left with.
How sweet it is hear our children’s voices. As we met in staff meeting this week, Pastor Nancy mentioned how meaningful it was for her just in hearing our children speak and sing as they called us into worship, sang praises, spoke a prayer or read from the sacred text. I agree, to me there is just something “holy” in hearing the voice of a child our space of worship.
Children’s Sabbath brings about the needs of our nation’s children in hopes of moving worshipers to plan action to love them. Although there is much to be done, I realized even more so this year that Pullen has a “great cloud of witnesses” already in the trenches fighting for a better future for our children. An Earth Ministry assembling along with others urging world leaders to take bold action to reverse climate change, individuals writing letters to representatives urging them to make the Child Tax Credit permanent and our own church leaders standing in front of the Lt. Governor’s office letting him know that our LGTBQX and Trans children are not “filth” …are actions taken JUST THIS MONTH that will make an impact in our community and world for our children. I know that the people of Pullen will always advocate for a number of vital causes, but it is comforting to me how all these important issues often intersect and address the needs of our children.
Simply stated… I need to do more. The message of Children’s Sabbath was not wasted on me this year. I came away from this Sunday realizing that I need to be more of an advocate for the children in my world (community, nation, and planet). Yes, I am employed by Pullen to provide ministry, resources and social opportunities for children and their families, but as a person who loves all children, I must live out Children’s Sabbath each day. So, I challenge you to ask me what it is I’m doing for the children. Next week, I’ll be joining Reverend Chalice and other Pastors for NC Children at a vigil for education. We’ll be praying that the State Legislature, faced a deadline to comply with a 27 year old judicial decision (Leandro Plan) that would ensure that funding will be provided so that our school children will have what they need to flourish. We’ll be praying that they will act on Monday’s deadline for them to do the right thing for North Carolina Children. That’s Monday, after that, you can ask me “what’s next? I hope you’ll join me!
-Tommy Cook, Minister with Children and their Families
