Welcome Action for Children Sunday Rejoice always pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Welcome Action for Children Sunday Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7, New Revised Standard Version

Action for Children Sunday Prayer of approach

Action for Children Sunday Hymn The Trumpets Sound,The Angels Sing StF 35 or Now Thank We All Our God H/Psalms 566

Action for Children Sunday Prayer of thanksgiving Our Lord’s prayer…

Action for Children Sunday Hymn The Splendour of The King StF 15 or Sing To The Great Jehovah’s Praise StF 127 or H/Psalms 360

Bible reading Matthew 19:13-22 Jesus Blesses Little Children

Action for Children Sunday Hymn Light of The World, You Stepped Down Into Darkness StF 175 or Jesus Friend of Little Children H/Psalms 146

Bible reading Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Action for Children Sunday Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness, O God My Father StF 51 or H/Psalms 66

Action for Children Sunday Talk about Action for Children’s work and Choose Childhood campaign

Choose Childhood video

Action for Children Sunday Sign up to Action for Children’s campaign, Choose Childhood www.actionforchildren.org.uk/how-to- help/support-our-campaigns/choose- childhood/

Edd & Stella

Action for Children Sunday Offering and prayers for the work of Action for Children

Action for Children Sunday Hymn Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine StF 548 or H/Psalms 668

Action for Children Sunday Prayers for Action for Children’s work Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader God of creation, you who created our inmost being and declared it good; God who knits us together in our mothers’ wombs, whose eyes saw our bodies before they were even formed; You call us your children and adopt us into your family, drawing us to you as a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings. And so, we bring before you those whose childhood is not as you ordained it.

Leader We pray for the child yet unborn, secretly developing in the mother’s womb, seen only by you as their body and mind slowly take shape and form. We pray for the child whose development is damaged and stunted by alcohol or drugs, malnourishment or toxic stress, damaging potential through the very blood that brings them life. And, for the child whose existence is unwanted. Nurture and protect them through the work of those who care. Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader We pray for the child born into poverty, whose parents go hungry to provide them with food. The child who will go to bed with an empty belly, and wake to the teacher’s grumblings about lack of concentration when all they can think about is their longing for breakfast. We pray for the child whose hand-me-down clothing is barely enough to protect them from the elements or from the taunts of the playground bully who simply does not understand. Nurture and protect them through the work of those who care. Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader We pray for the child born into poverty, whose parents go hungry to provide them with food. The child who will go to bed with an empty belly, and wake to the teacher’s grumblings about lack of concentration when all they can think about is their longing for breakfast. We pray for the child whose hand-me-down clothing is barely enough to protect them from the elements or from the taunts of the playground bully who simply does not understand. Nurture and protect them through the work of those who care. Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader We pray for the child born into neglect or abuse, the very people they should be able to trust to meet their needs; Instead seeking to satisfy needs of their own through violence, lack of care, cruelty or sexual predation. We pray for the child who seems to seek rejection through the very behaviour which covers their vulnerability, their longing for love, their inability to trust or form relationships, their fear and isolation. Nurture and protect them through the work of those who care. Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader Response… Give them the gift of childhood. We pray for the child and the young person whose body, mind or spirit are affected by disability, trauma or illness, making life more of a challenge and making extra demands on the support of families, carers and friends. For the child who struggles with anxiety or a lack of confidence, the young person who finds it difficult to fit in, the child who needs extra support to join in with their friends’ game, the young person aware of others’ stares and questioning looks and of growing differences at a time when they just want to be part of the crowd. For those in mental anguish, harming themselves, withdrawing from the world, living in fear, longing for death. For the parents, tired and uncertain. Nurture and protect them through the work of those who care. Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader We pray for the child who suddenly finds their childhood over as they assume adult responsibilities far too soon. For the child who cares for their carer, taking on that role to support parents or siblings through difficulties with physical and mental health, the child forced into independence before they have the chance to enjoy that carefree childhood where responsibilities are few and freedom from the stresses of adult life is the norm. Nurture and protect them through the work of those who care. Response… Give them the gift of childhood.

Leader Father, we pray for all who nurture and protect children, young people and families in our society today, thinking especially of the work of Action for Children. We pray that you will give clarity and compassion to those who make decisions, especially those in positions of power and government whose words and actions can have untold impact on the more vulnerable members of our community. Give courage, creativity and commitment to those who work to create a safe and stimulating environment where children can develop, grow and build firm relationships that will enable them to reach their potential and lead happy and well-grounded lives.

Leader And we pray for ourselves, that we will do what it takes to ensure that the children and young people around us know themselves to be children of a loving God through our words, our actions and our giving. Amen.

Action for Children Sunday Hymn He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands StF 536 or H/Psalms 25

Prayer Blessing May the blessing of God, our Father; Jesus, His Son; and the Holy Spirit, our companion, be ours forever. Amen.

A huge thank you from Trustees and staff on behalf of every child, young person and family that you have blessed