https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:54:18 +0000 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 14:13:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/safe-church-teams/rca-resource-addressing-sexual-abuse-worship At Safe Church Ministry, we are so thankful that the Body of Christ is responding to the harmful impacts of sexual abuse across denominations.  \We know sexual abuse is hard to speak about, perhaps especially in churches, and so it is important to have materials encouraging us to raise aware Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/safe-church-teams/rca-resource-addressing-sexual-abuse-worship Wed, 26 Jun 2019 14:13:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/sos-sharing-our-stories/how-hilary-scarsella-calls-church-end In a powerful blog, Hilary Jerome Scarsella reflects on what she has experienced and witnessed in the years following her sexual assault on the campus of her seminary.  These calls to the church to end sexual violence are important hear as Synod 2019 discusses the recommendations from t Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/sos-sharing-our-stories/how-hilary-scarsella-calls-church-end Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:12:36 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/policy-prevention/living-faithfully-and-well-together-20th Last month, over 90 people gathered at an Inter-classis Safe Church Conference, an event that Classis Huron, has been holding for 20 years. This event was very well organized and included many learning materials thanks to the dedication of Clas Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/policy-prevention/living-faithfully-and-well-together-20th Tue, 09 Apr 2019 14:28:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/abuse-clergy-ministry-leaders/safe-church-not-alone-faith-trust Last month I had the privilege of spending a day with Rev. Dr. Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/abuse-clergy-ministry-leaders/safe-church-not-alone-faith-trust Mon, 04 Feb 2019 15:05:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/child-abuse/updates-safe-church-coordinators-hamilton On January 21 we had another gathering of Safe Church Leaders at Meadowlands Fellowship CRC. It was well attended by 24 people and represented 13 different churches.  Al Karsten https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/child-abuse/updates-safe-church-coordinators-hamilton Tue, 29 Jan 2019 14:58:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/general-worship/fleeing-safety-reflection-matthew-2 We are in the last few days of Christmas, our season of worshipping that vulnerable and divine baby Emmanuel, God-with-us. As we celebrate Epiphany Sunday, we may be excited to continue the joy of the season, continue worshipping the Light of our World along with the wise man. This stor Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/general-worship/fleeing-safety-reflection-matthew-2 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 19:01:29 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/general-worship/holy-impatience-holy-incarnation John 1:1-5, 14 A favorite Advent hymn of mine is “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” written by Charles Wesley. It sings of the humanity and divinity of Christ: Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/general-worship/holy-impatience-holy-incarnation Thu, 27 Dec 2018 15:00:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/gender-concerns/violence-against-women-its-mens-issue As Christians, we are blessed with such rich scriptures. One such scripture we reflect on often within the ministry of Disability Concerns is from Paul’s letter from the church in Corinth. He reminds them that they all make up the same Body of Christ, united across distance and tim Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/gender-concerns/violence-against-women-its-mens-issue Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:07:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/sexual-abuse/safe-church-not-alone-churchtoo-wearespeaking-body It is helpful to know other denominations continue to faithfully work at creating safe communities for all, as we too strive to create awareness of abuse, prevent abuse of all kinds, and bring about God's healing when harm has occurred.  Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/sexual-abuse/safe-church-not-alone-churchtoo-wearespeaking-body Thu, 01 Nov 2018 16:59:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/sexual-abuse/evening-tarana-burke-metoo-founder Last year, the #metoo hashtag went viral, thrusting a vital conversation about sexual violence into the public dialogue. Tarana Burke said, “One year ago, millions raised their hands—and they are still raised.”  Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/sexual-abuse/evening-tarana-burke-metoo-founder Thu, 01 Nov 2018 13:26:27 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/child-abuse/welcome-back-fallwelcome-back-safe-communities When I served in congregational ministry, and when I was a student myself, September was always a time full of anticipation, excitement, and hectic schedules!  In churches, we are welcoming families back from cottages and holidays, and celebrate the start of a fresh year.  Miriam Spies https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/safe-church/child-abuse/welcome-back-fallwelcome-back-safe-communities Thu, 06 Sep 2018 12:36:07 +0000