Would you be willing to ask your church to participate in Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Sunday? Below are the details. This simple memorial in remembrance of babies born to heaven began with two churches in South Carolina 2011, and has spread ever since. We would love to see it spread across the globe this year. Also, please let us know if your church does participate so we can try to estimate how many are taking part in this, and give us your feedback afterwards. Details of this event are below, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the FAQ page. Thank you!!
Details of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Sunday
When: Sunday, October 16, 2022 (but it can be observed any Sunday in October if that one does not work).
Where: Churches worldwide
What: A time to stand alongside families impacted by pregnancy loss and early infant death by doing three simple things:
Place a bouquet of yellow roses on the church altar. If you would like, consider including a label on each one with the Naomi's Circle website to provide more information for bereaved parents, or add this information to your bulletin.
Announce in the bulletin, "The bouquet of yellow roses on the altar is in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and in prayerful support of all families touched by such a loss."
From the pulpit, at an appropriate time in the service, invite anyone touched by this kind of loss to come to the altar after the service and take a rose home. If this is done earlier in the service, remind them again before dismissal.
Why: Pregnancy loss and early infant death impact an estimated 25% or more of all pregnancies. These losses are often grieved very privately. For many, church - with its emphasis on families and children - becomes a very painful place to be. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Sunday is a way for churches to say, "We stand with you and honor the lives of your children in heaven."