The annual observance, held on the second Sunday of November, invites churches to pray for orphaned and vulnerable children and to consider practical ways to support them and their families. This year's materials put the emphasis on small local steps rather than large programs, according to World Without Orphans.
The movement describes its aim as a future in which every child grows up in a safe, loving family and community, knows God as Father and reaches what it calls their God-given potential.
The Orphan Sunday Toolkit gathers stories, videos, prayers and practical ideas that churches can adapt to their own setting. World Without Orphans said a congregation's observance might take the form of a prayer meeting, a sermon, a personal testimony, a celebration for families or a new partnership with others in the community.
A separate prayer guide covers six areas. They include the protection and safety of children, healing, loving families, support for caregivers, child protection systems and hope for the future.
"Caring for orphaned and vulnerable children begins with prayer," the guide's introduction states.
The third resource, the Orphan Sunday Global Webinar, presents accounts from several nations along with examples from church leaders. Organizers encourage churches to share the recording with their leadership teams and partner organizations.
A 'next faithful step'
In its announcement, World Without Orphans urged churches not to measure participation by scale. Congregations should ask "What is the next faithful step our church can take?" instead of whether they can attempt something large, the network said.
That step could be a single prayer, story, conversation or act of care, according to the announcement. The movement describes Orphan Sunday as a starting point for moving from prayer to action and from action to cooperation with other churches and organizations.
For churches ready to go further, World Without Orphans offers a Practical Guide to Collaboration and Learning Communities.
The toolkit, prayer guide, webinar and collaboration guide are available through the World Without Orphans website.
