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Reporter: Amanda Goodman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Burying a child, especially a baby is heartbreaking. Sometimes so much so that parents cannot bring themselves to do it.  That is when the Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque steps in.

“The medical examiner’s office calls us and lets us know that they have a baby and asks us if we’ll take it in and bury it,” said Reverend Judith Maynard of MCC.  The church buries abandoned and unclaimed babies through its ‘littlest angels’ program.

A member named George Rombold felt compelled to the start the program nearly a decade ago after reading a similar program in California.
Since then the congregation has buried about 20 babies in Albuquerque, each time holding a simple memorial and funeral service, attended by church members.

Earlier this week four babies were laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park.  “That was the most that we’ve done at one time, we’ve done two together, but this was the most we’ve done,” Reverend Maynard said.  Everything is donated for the funerals except for the monuments, that is when the congregation steps up again, donating the $300-$400 needed for the monuments.  “The congregation, even though many of them don’t have children, they’ve embraced these babies as their own they come to the services, they sit there, they weep as if it was their very own,” Maynard said.  Claiming the babies that no one wanted in life by being there for them after their death to make sure they receive a proper farewell.?

We often say children are the future generation, but they are also the generation that is among us now, and their voices are important.

Sunday, September 19 at 10:30 am, join us as our Children & Youth and the Ministry Team Leaders lead us in worship!

Materials will be provided for creating Christmas Sun Catchers, Origami Angels, Dazzling Christmas Stars, and more.  At 5:00pm we will have a potluck dinner, lots of fellowship, and fun!  If your family would be able to bring food or art materials to this event or have any questions please contact Meg Freestone at 385.6531.

We Need to purchase or have donated – ($30.00 would cover all needed materials) multicolor pom-poms, craft sticks/Popsicle sticks (multi sized pack if possible), assorted rhinestones, stars, paper doilies,etc.

Borrow from someone

Christmas decorative paper hole punchers, hot glue gun.

Please let Meg know if you can assist with the above items.