Date: December 11 Time: After 9am and 11 am services Location: Lower Narthex Contact: Rachel Medefind (volunteer)
On Orphan Sunday & Stand Sunday, Christians around the globe remember God's special invitation to care for vulnerable children and families both near and far. Scripture calls us to this role -- to "defend the fatherless" and to "care for orphans and widows in their distress" -- and throughout history, God's people have been known for this commitment. We do this not out of a sense of duty or guilt, but simply because He first loved us. On December 11th, we will celebrate our Father’s heart for the most vulnerable. During the service, we'll hear from a parishioner who is a Fairfax County social worker and will pray as a church for children and families in our region.
We'll also have an Information Fair in the lower narthex so that you can learn more about ways anyone can play a part in serving vulnerable children -- from foster and adoption to simple wrap-around support for families.
Orphan Sunday began in a small, impoverished church in Zambia. The pastor reminded his flock of God’s deep love for orphans and how He calls all of His people to reflect that same heart in loving action. Last year, Orphan Sunday was celebrated in thousands of churches across more than 100 countries. Stand Sunday is part of this global effort, focused more narrowly on children in US foster care. Both are shepherded by the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Ultimately, this day is not about a single "cause" or inspiring some to adopt or foster, but about the heart of our good Father...and how an entire Christian community can reflect that heart together.
The TFCA Foster & Adoption Ministry
The TFCA Foster & Adoption Ministry reflects the church's culture of care for the vulnerable, including orphans worldwide and foster youth in our own community. We seek to actively support the foster and adoptive families in TFCA through quarterly gatherings, a monthly prayer list, and hands-on help whenever needed. We remind that not everyone is called to adopt or foster, but every believer can live the "pure religion" that James describes -- in everything from mentoring foster youth to supporting families and much more.