An Orphan Sunday Activity to Build Community
On Orphan Sunday, we reflect on the critical needs of orphan care and the role we can play in reshaping the lives of vulnerable children. One of the most impactful activities I facilitate when sharing in churches is a hands-on experience that helps participants understand how a child can lose their family and community—and how we can come together to rebuild that network. The church is uniquely positioned to provide this support, and this activity illustrates that beautifully.
The Story of a Child
To begin, I invite volunteers from the audience to participate in a simple yet profound story about a child's journey. This narrative is grounded in real-life scenarios that explain how children often find themselves in orphanages. As I narrate the story, I ask the volunteers representing the child’s parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts and uncles, siblings, and other significant figures to gradually step back and sit down as their roles are “cut” from the story.
This poignant visualization allows us to see the vulnerability experienced by the child as they are left standing alone at the front. It’s a powerful moment that underscores the loss of familial and community support that many children face.
The Power of Community
Next, I shift the narrative to introduce a foster couple who decide to welcome this child into their home. To engage the audience further, I distribute “character cards” to random participants, each representing different roles in the community—such as church members, extended family, retired individuals, teachers, and professionals from various backgrounds.
As these audience members read aloud their assigned character, I prompt them to consider how they might contribute to the lives of this child and their new foster family. This exercise encourages participants to think creatively about how ordinary people can make a significant impact—whether it’s preparing a meal, providing childcare, or offering emotional support. For instance, a retired couple with a special needs grandchild might find common ground with the foster child, opening a connection that brings encouragement and understanding.
Rebuilding the Community
As the audience members identify their potential roles, I invite them to join me on stage. Slowly but surely, the child is once again surrounded by a supportive community—this time, a network of individuals to uplift and care for them. This visual representation drives home the message that we, as a church, have the capacity to care for vulnerable children and that everyone has a unique role to play in this mission.
A Call to Action
The aim of this activity is to inspire a collective commitment to orphan care and to remind us that everyone can do something. The heart of the message is simple yet profound: The church is uniquely equipped to care for vulnerable children. By coming together, we can transform lives and build a community where every child is loved and welcomed.
-Amy Hutchison