Safeguarding
God's Children course to be offered in
multiple locations
From the time he assumed responsibility for the Diocese of Western Louisiana, Bishop D. Bruce MacPherson has worked towards making youth programs offered in the diocese and the ministry to children as safe for participants as possible.
To further that aim, the diocese offers SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN: Providing a safe place within the church, a program developed by the Church Insurance Company and the Church Pension Group "SAFEGUARDING" is designed to create an awareness of the dangers that can exist within a church youth program, an environment that most believe to be one of the safest places.
As it is made clear in the program, churches across denominational lines are always open to new people and are always seeking volunteers. Most often we do not ask questions nor check references on those we place within our ministries to young people. Childcare workers, youth ministry volunteers and professionals have a host of opportunities to chaperone young people away from home and the church; situations that provide the environment that predators are looking for.
By action of the Diocesan Council, all clergy, aspirants for Holy Orders (once accepted in the Ministry Discernment Program), paid staff of all congregations, institutions, parochial schools and day care programs, and youth ministry volunteers are required to attend a certified diocesan program under the direction of trained presenters and to undergo the fulfillment of a background check."
SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN will be presented in each of the diocese's five convocations at least twice a year. If you fall within one of the above categories that must take the course, you need not wait for it to be offered within your own congregation or convocation.
You can register and attend
a session held anywhere in the diocese that is convenient to you. Simply register
in advance as requested, and make sure that you are on the role of those taking
the course so that you can be certified as a participant. Interested parents
and others are invited to attend, as a portion of the program is directed
to you and your families.
August 2010
6 — Safeguarding
God's Children workshop, Time
to be
announced, Ascension Episcopal
Church Parish Hall,
Contact
Sabrina Beach, sbeach.edsni@cox-internet.com for reservations.
7— Safeguarding
God's Children workshop, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.,
Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School,
Lake Charles. Contact
the Rev'd Deacon "Boo"
Kay at bkay@episcopaldayschool.org
for reservations.This
workshop has be cancelled
7 — Safeguarding
God's Children workshop held in conjunction
with the Diocesan Youth
Event Training Day
Hardtner
Camp and Conference Center. Call 318-765-3794
for more information
and to register.
22 — Safeguarding God's Children workshop, 2 – 4:00
p.m.,
Epiphany Episcopal
Church Parish Hall, Contact: Sabrina Beach,
sbeach.edsni@cox-internet.com
for reservations.
.