We look forward to gathering for our upcoming congregational meeting on Sunday, January 26, after worship. We will consider several important matters at this meeting, including our proposed Child Protection Policy.
We are excited that our ministry with children and youth is thriving, and we take Jesus' call seriously: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Thus, one of the primary responsibilities of our church is to ensure that we are fostering a safe and nurturing environment for our children, youth, and the dedicated volunteers who serve in these ministries. This policy is being introduced to ensure we are following best practices for protecting the well-being of everyone involved.
The development of this policy has been a thorough and thoughtful process that took about a year. Our church administrator, Nickie, worked with input from Heather and Holly to draft the policy. During the process, Nickie researched policies other churches were using and incorporated language and best practices recommended by our insurance provider. From there, the final draft of the policy was thoughtfully reviewed by the Personnel Committee and the Church Council to ensure it aligns with our mission and values. Now, we present it to you for your consideration at the called Congregational Meeting on January 26. Please take a moment to read the policy before the meeting. You can read it at the link below or pick up a printed copy in the Gathering Space.
This policy is an important step forward in our ministry with children and youth as it reflects our commitment to stewardship, safety, and the care of our youngest members and volunteers. We encourage everyone to attend the meeting and participate in this important step for our church family.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we seek to honor God in all we do. Please join me in continuing to pray for our children, youth, and their families!
I love you, Union Family! It's a joy to be your pastor!