Churches urged to take
part in child advocacy

The Children’s Advocacy Council reminds Austin District congregations to collect school supplies during July and August. These may be taken to your neighborhood schools or to community centers in your area.
Churches in south Austin and in Hays County are encouraged to send or take their supplies to Wimberley UMC for its Barnabas Connection. Wimberley is having a Back-to-School Fiesta Aug. 10 and hopes to distribute school supplies to children who attend. The contact person is Vicki McCuistion, who has asked that supplies be at the church by Aug. 1. Call McCuistion at (512) 968-1968 to arrange pickup or drop off.
The Advocacy Council is set to sponsor a Disaster Response with Children event Oct. 7 at Manchaca UMC. The program is to be led by Vivian Woods from First UMC, Beeville. It is designed for Christian educators, teachers, parents and pastors. Specific details will be announced later, but please put this date on your calendar now.
The Children’s Sabbath is traditionally observed in October. This year’s suggested date is Oct. 22. Churches should choose a Sunday that works best for them. You can get materials to help plan your program from the Children’s Defense Fund at www.childrensdefense.org.