We are blessed to be a blessing

It is an unfortunate fact in our world today that sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a major issue.   With that in mind, The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in Apri1 2000, adopted a resolution aimed at eliminating any potential for child sexual abuse in the church.  At the meeting of the 2006 Arkansas Annual Conference, all United Methodist Churches in Arkansas were mandated to begin a program of Safe Sanctuary for children.  Several years ago, Goddard UMC instituted guidelines for Safe Sanctuary to insure the safety of all children entrusted to our care at the church – in the Weekday Ministry, Sunday School, VBS, Goddard Kidz – all activities that include and involve children.  Many of you have already been a part of that by going through background checks so you can work with the children of the church.  We appreciate you doing that.

We are in the process of re-evaluating our Safe Sanctuary policy to see if it needs any updating.  As we do that I would like to remind you of some of the guidelines that effect us all.  Most of these involve the nursery.  First of all, no adult other than the paid nursery workers are allowed in the nursery – except to drop off or pick up their child.  In addition, children over the age of five cannot be in the nursery.  This includes unpaid teenagers and older elementary children.  Children older than five should be in Sunday School or worship.  Since we have begun Children’s Church during the 10:50 service, having early elementary children in worship should not be a problem for parents.  (And children of any age are always welcome in worship!) 

I realize that some of these guidelines may seem harsh, but they are necessary to insure the safety of our children.  It would be wonderful if such policies were not needed.  Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children. Child sexual abuse and exploitation occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. Such incidents are devastating to all who are involved: the child, the family, the local church and its leaders. Increasingly, churches are torn apart by the legal, emotional, and monetary consequences of litigation following allegations of abuse.

God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual abuse and exploitation. God calls us to create communities of faith where children and adults grow safe and strong. We will be continuing to update our current policy so we can continue to have a safe place for children to grow in their faith.  We hope you will help us by remembering to observe our Safe Sanctuary policy.

This week in church we will be reaffirming our baptismal vows.  I hope you will plan to attend and take part in this significant spiritual experience.  See you Sunday.

 

  Shalom,

                                                                                                   Wade W