THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 15, 1994 TAG: 9410150222
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONY WHARTON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
The notion that people must act to save this generation of children from violence and ignorance drives volunteers like Anke Otto-Wolf, Mary Lee Harris, the Rev. Robert Lundquist and many others.
Often expressed in the proverb, ``It takes an entire village to raise a child,'' this feeling is showing up in diverse places, from a series of discussions last summer on crime and parole, to Gov. George Allen's ``Empowerment Commission,'' to an around-the-clock prayer vigil in Virginia Beach.
It also is the force behind the ``Children's Sabbath,'' which is being observed this weekend by scores of congregations in South Hampton Roads as part of a national effort involving united prayer and ongoing acts of commitment.
``We need to bring this back into our lives: Every child could be my child,'' said Otto-Wolf, co-chair of the local effort. ``It is my child. It's my responsibility as an adult.''
The work of volunteers at churches and synagogues across the region reflects a growing conviction in the community that individuals, neighborhoods and the government must take more responsibility for the safety and maturity of this generation of children.
Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Beth Chaverim synagogue in Virginia Beach said the commitment only begins this weekend.
``I would like to build up a consciousness that will sink in,'' he said. ``It will be a lifelong effort. Society will not solve this overnight.''
The Children's Sabbath was created in 1992 by the Children's Defense Fund in Washington, D.C., a private, nonprofit organization. In 1993, an estimated 4,000 congregations participated; this year, as many as 30,000 may be involved.
The Defense Fund provides organizing materials to the congregations and facts about the threats to children. Local organizers estimate that 120 congregations in this area are involved.
The information is broken down, enabling a minister to say, during the time it takes to complete a two-hour prayer or service , one child will have been murdered, two dozen children will have been charged with violent crimes, and 60 babies of low-birth weight have been born.
The observance of the Children's Sabbath in Hampton Roads culminates at 3 p.m. Sunday in an interfaith service at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach. The service will include Christian and Hebrew scripture readings, music performed by local children, and even an appearance by liturgical clowns.
The service also features the ``Wall of Commitment,'' where congregations can post descriptions of the services for children they will provide in the coming year.
``The religious houses need to open themselves to the children,'' Otto-Wolf said. ``Otherwise, we talk and we talk, and there is nothing left.''
Zoberman said, ``I would like to see the most fortunate among us show their gratitude by reaching out to others. The hands-on approach is the best.''
Lundquist, pastor of Good Samaritan Episcopal Church on Baker Road in Virginia Beach, said the congregation will read to children from Betty Williams Elementary School.
``It's fun for us, and something we can do to help out the parents who may not have enough time,'' Lundquist said.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church's congregation will send letters to state and federal legislators urging full funding for children's programs. Eastern Shore Chapel on Laskin Road will set up a ``Coats for Kids'' closet to collect clothing.
St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach is holding a seminar on violence against children this weekend and conducting a round-the-clock prayer vigil.
Ohef Sholom Temple and Temple Israel, both in Norfolk, also planned services.
Otto-Wolf hopes to see the program expand and make more connections with the community outside of churches.
``If we can just make the community more aware, then the sabbath has achieved one little thing it set out to do,'' she said. MEMO: For more information about the Children's Sabbath and other efforts,
call the Children's Defense Fund in Washington, D.C., at
1-800-233-1200.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MORT FRYMAN, Staff
Licia and Mark Murrell, with sons Andrew, 3, Michael, 2, and
Benjamin, 6, use a blessing cup as part of a prayer vigil by St.
Nicholas Catholic Church in Virginia Beach in connection with the
``Children's Sabbath'' observance.
KEYWORDS: CHILDREN VIOLENCE by CNB