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Participate in Orphan/Adoption Sunday


Many churches choose a day to share about orphans and adoption with the congregation. Since November is National Adoption Awareness Month, many churches pick a day in November.

Here are some ideas from the
Shaohannah’s Hope site:

  1. Establish a date convenient for your fellowship. Preferably around other adoption related events/celebration. Historically, National Adoption Day is celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving during National Adoption Awareness month (November). Although any time is appropriate there are a few important dates to note that might help in encouraging your leadership to participate. Possible dates: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, the Sunday after National Adoption Day, or a Sunday in November, National Adoption Awareness Month, or May, National Foster Care Month.
  2. Advertise around the church on bulletin boards or where appropriate using “Adoption Sunday” posters.
  3. Encourage your senior pastor to preach about God’s heart for orphans, using resources from Inspirational Materials or the Show Hope Store.
  4. Play Build a Bridge of Hope video narrated by Steven Curtis Chapman , the Family Testimony video, the Hidden Treasure video, or the Facts video available on the Show Hope DVD.
  5. Allow an adoptive family to give their testimony.
  6. Dedicate a percentage of offering to your own adoption/orphan care ministry.
  7. Bring ALL adoptive families on stage for closing worship/prayer.
  8. Have a time of “Special Music” using one of the adoption songs mentioned in the Inspirational Materials, or show the “When Love Takes You In” music video.
  9. Provide bulletin inserts using the H.O.P.E. guidelines with information on http://www.howtoadopt.org/ for those who may be interested in adopting.
  10. Announce the first Adoption Ministry small group meeting. You may want to consider organizing an adoption workshop in your church as well.
  11. Consider providing a departing gift or some materials for your church members.