Five weeks from Mother’s Day is “Children’s Day” (June 14, 2009—the second Sunday in June). Many individuals, groups, and churches, are trying to bring attention to this special day for children that predates both Mother’s and Father’s Day. Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church joined the national planning committee by leading the local community in this noteworthy occasion. The day’s events included Sunday School, Morning Worship Celebration, and a Cupcake Reception. Rev. James Davis, pastor of Bronwood A.M.E. Church, was the Guest Speaker giving a powerful testimony of “God Never Leaving Us Alone.” Mayor Gerald Thompson prepared a proclamation for the children announcing “Children’s Day” in the City of Fitzgerald. He urged the entire community to come to together to participate in giving faith, hope, love, and commitment to our children. In his absence, City Councilman John K. Fletcher presented the document to Pastor Howard and Ms. Susie Howard, Children’s Church Coordinator.
John Ross, advocate for Children’s Day and part of a growing movement spearheaded by the website www.nationalchildrensday.us, notes the importance of and need for the day. “Children are just as in need of a special day as are fathers and mothers. Many children are being left behind and left out of the American discourse today. Currently about nine million children are without health insurance. Some of our rural and urban schools are graduating fewer than 50 percent of their students. Our children are behind in math and science. Americans are the most imprisoned population in the world… our children need more moral and spiritual guidance than ever. They are calling out to the adults of this great land for a new commitment and a new future. America needs Children’s Day!”
Pastor Howard notes about the day, “Jesus had disciples who dismissed children as being not significant. But He affirmed them. So Children’s Day is our day set to encourage our children. Many individuals, churches, and groups are already doing this. And following the paths of pioneers like Mrs. Otha Pettigrew, we at The Chapel celebrate our children as gifts from God .”
Children’s Day observations in the United States date from the 1860s and earlier. The Methodist Episcopal Church at the Methodist Conference of 1868 recommended that the second Sunday in June be observed annually as Children’s Day. The national website supporting the revival of Children’s Day on the second Sunday in June, is stressing this day as a day of celebration and commitment to children by parents and other individuals. The Children’s Day website offers help and challenges parents, individuals, churches/houses of worship, schools/places of education, government/community and businesses to sign commitment cards directed at affirming America’s children. They pledge to “commit in the coming year, to love, cherish, nurture (physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual needs), and affirm...” They can also make a commitment beyond America to the world’s children. Numerous churches and denominations now observe the second Sunday in June including the African & Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Church of the Nazarene. Yes, this is the time to promote Children’s Day all across America!
More information is available on the Holsey Chapel website, www.cmefitzgerald.org .
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