Hurricane underscores Children's Sabbath this year

The Hurricane Katrina disaster that struck the U.S. Gulf Coast has been accompanied by powerful images of the plight of children - images that will be in the minds of many congregations marking Children's Sabbath this fall.

The 14th annual National Observance of Children's Sabbath is sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund, a nonprofit, Washington-based organization. Many congregations, including United Methodist churches, set aside a Sunday during the fall to focus on justice for children living in poverty.

The third weekend in October - Oct. 14-16 this year - has traditionally been designated for Children's Sabbath, but the date "is totally up to the discretion of the congregation," said the Rev. Sally Jo Snyder, a United Methodist and director of the Children's Defense Fund. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship's web site notes that, in the church, the event is observed Oct. 7-9.

"Last year, we had over 10,000 (churches) participate around the country," Snyder said. Of all the denominations and religious organizations that participate, United Methodists lead the way in number, she added. The need for focusing on children's concerns is urgent, Snyder said.


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