Adoption Sunday 2014

On Sunday 2 November, at the beginning of National Adoption Week, around 300 churches stood with Home for Good to mark Adoption Sunday and raise awareness of the needs of the UK’s vulnerable children. Across the country, churches celebrated adoption into God’s family, heard about fostering and adoption from parents, carers and children, prayed for families, and responded to the need of the children waiting.

Kirsty McIntyre, project manager at Home for Good says, “Adoption Sunday is hugely exciting. It is an amazing opportunity for the Church to share the good news of each Christian’s adoption into God’s family and to respond practically to the very real situations of children and young people in the UK who are a part of the care system.

When so many churches join together for this shared cause, the nation and government, our neighbours and communities take notice and see the Church’s care for those around them. Talking about adoption in services is also a great challenge to the Church to consider how it can be even more welcoming and supportive of families who adopt or foster.”

Here are some stories from around the country:

"Last year our little church fellowship marked Adoption Sunday, by hearing from our adopted son about his life growing up in foster care and of being adopted by us. This year we had a celebration- my wife and I have recently re-trained and been re-appointed as foster carers 22 years after we had first been appointed. (We had taken a break for a few years after our son’s adoption in 2007). It was great to see our church standing with us. We were brought to the front and prayed over. Over coffee we had a celebration cake too." - Hugh and Pamela, Glencloy Christian Fellowship

"We watched the 2014 Adoption Sunday video and prayed as a church together, and I also ran a seminar for those who were interested in hearing more about Home for Good - over 30 people attended!" - Ruth, Cirencester Baptist Church

"The focus of fostering and adoption was received really well by the church. We have a couple in their 70s or 80s who have cared for children in this way for many years - 14 children in total - and it was particularly poignant for them. I do hope that this may inspire others to follow the path too." - Matt, Lentons Lane Baptist Church

Phil Green, chief executive of Home for Good explains, “Every time we hear a story from a church that is standing with adoptive families and foster carers – committing to support them – we are so excited. And we are delighted when people contact us to say they are thinking about fostering or adopting after being inspired by what they heard on Adoption Sunday. The next step for us is to inspire and equip churches to ensure that fostering and adoption in on the churches agenda 365 days a year.”

Find out more about how your church could become a Home for Good Church.

Did you take part? Tell us how your church celebrated Adoption Sunday!