Ideas for Churches

In order for alcohol and other drug programs to be successful, everyone must be involved. Churches can help shape a healthier environment in their communities though education, awareness, involvement, and prayer.

Illinois Churches In Action invites pastors, church leaders and parents to take any of the following actions:

Pray for the Children (Oct. 19-21). Place the names of children in your congregation and/or schools in a basket. Ask members of the congregation to take the name of a child and pray each day that they may be drug-free and safe.
Invite youth to distribute Red Ribbons at the worship service. Encourage people to wear the ribbons each day as a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. Illinois Churches In Action will supply ribbons as long as our supply lasts.
Address drug-related issues in Sunday School classes and sermons. Have children draw an outline of their foot on construction paper and cut it out. Have them write on the feet why children should not use alcohol or other drugs. Please the feet on the wall with the sign, "Running toward a drug-free life."
Use your outdoor sign to promote Red Ribbon Week and Pray for the Children. "Lean on God NOT drugs" and "Pray for the Children Drug-Free and Safe"
Have a bulletin board display with drug awareness information. (ILCAAAP News, posters, newspaper articles, brochures)
Pray for those who are addicted and for their families. Substance abuse touches the lives of people in all walks of life. Pray for those who are struggling to overcome an addiction to alcohol and other drugs, and for their families.
Provide information on substance abuse, counseling and treatment resources available in your area.

Illinois Churches In Action, a statewide prevention organization, works with churches, youth and community groups to provide education about alcohol and other drugs. For speakers, Teen Board presentation, brochures, resource materials, call 877-204-6863 or e-mail mail@ilcaaap.org