Children's Sunday

The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child was ratified on Nov. 20th, 1989 and so each year we celebrate by observing Children’s Sunday in worship on a Sunday close to that date.

This year, Regional Council 15 is asking Communities of Faith to consider using the occasion to highlight the need to protect the human rights of Palestinian children.  The situation for Palestinian children is desperate. 

Children are an integral part of The United Church of Canada. From Communities of Faith to Camping Ministries to Outreach Ministries like afterschool programs and daycares, the call to nurture and care for children, as well as celebrating their gifts and the joy they bring, makes clear the place that Children play in our lives of faith and how we live that out.   When one child suffers, we all do. 
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Please consider this invitation to celebrate Children’s Sunday in an act of praise to God for children and all that they offer, in an act of solidarity with children who cannot advocate for themselves, and in an act of awakening to the many issues that children face here in Canada and around the world. 

Video - Patricia Mercer delivers 5 minute message at Gower St. United Church, St. John’s, NL, Nov. 1st, 2020 (starting at minute 49)   
https://youtu.be/AeOH9eEW7OY?t=2940

​Children's Sunday Resources
 2019 Children's Sunday Service “It’s Not Fair” 
Sample Worship Service Outline – St. Andrew’s UC, Halifax
Assorted Worship Resources  – Includes prayers, video links, “Biblical Voices” reading, points for reflection, words for a hymn.
Worship Service Suggestions (Part One) – Includes Call to Worship, Prayers, Scripture and Reflection, Images, a Poem with a call to action, and Hymn suggestions.
Witness from an Ecumenical Accompanier (Part Two)
Luke 18 Dramatization for Children’s Sunday
Palestinian Children’s story with Children
Palestinian Children’s story with Youth
​No Way to Treat a Child (Defence for Children International - Palestine - website)

Actions:
Join other churches and justice-seeking organizations actively lobbying the Canadian government “to ensure the human rights of Palestinian children are protected by instructing a Special Envoy to promote, monitor and report on the human rights situation of Palestinian children living in the occupied Palestinian Territory and Gaza.”

LETTER - Use the attached template to send a letter or email to the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Send a copy to the PM and your local MP.