ELCALutherans Observe Rachel's Day

RACHEL'S DAY OBSERVED

"Many children today fear they will not grow up to be adults," said Joan Pope, a program
director for the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the women's
organization of the ELCA.  "They also fear drugs, guns, gangs, going home to an empty
house, friends who kill themselves, poor education, illness, hunger, unsafe streets, being
unloved and being alone," said Pope.  "Rachel's Day," an observance for "children at risk,"
started in one congregation -- Bethel West Lutheran Church, Chicago -- on May 1, 1995,
and spread to other churches and women's organizations.  "Rachel's Day is a time to
mourn the loss of our children and to renounce the forces of evil and fear that plague our
nation," said Pope.  The day is "a wonderful way to enhance community and relationships
by connecting adults -- who may or may not be parents or grandparents -- with children at
risk.  It is another way to remind us that, as the African proverb says, 'It takes a village to
raise a child.'  We are all responsible for all children," said Pope.  Observance includes
"listening to children's fears and hopes," wearing blue threads or ribbons, presenting
speakers on violence against children or community programs that support youth.
Congregations can take action to help children and their families through prayer,
education, hands-on-service activities and advocacy.  Every year the first Sunday in May
will be recognized as "Rachel's Day."  The day took its name from Jeremiah 31:15-17,
verses in which Rachel grieves for her children.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html