December 9, 2019
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Remembering the Polytechnique Massacre
December 6th, 2019 marked the 30th anniversary of a mass-shooting in Montreal. We take time to remember the event and those who lost their lives.
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December 4, 2019
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S.O.S. Part 1: My Journey of Recognizing, Remembering, and Processing Abuse
In this post, an anonymous CRC congregant shares his journey of recognizing, remembering, and processing the abuse he endured.
December 2, 2019
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May You Know How Much You're Worth
And it was here, in her words, that Advent found me. God found me, sending his precious son, an innocent lamb, telling us: “May you know how much you are worth.”
November 25, 2019
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A Modern Twist on Daniel and the Lion's Den
Who needs protection in our current world? This story reminds us about the global crisis of child marriages and the need to continue to work towards a safe world, free from abuse.
November 19, 2019
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Restorative Practices: Choosing Relationship Over Being Right
I wonder what our faith communities would look like if we chose to embrace our tension and conflict, to value relationship with others more than being right.
November 19, 2019
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A Safe Church Jeopardy Game
As important as annual Safe Church training is for staff and volunteers, it can be a challenge to make it engaging. One church had an idea that worked really well: Safe Church Jeopardy!
November 13, 2019
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The Abuse of Power Adoptions from Synod 2019 for Classes to Consider:
These are adoptions from Synod 2019 that pertain to specifically to classes. These adoptions were recommended from the Addressing Abuse of Power Report.
November 12, 2019
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Restorative Practices in Faith Communities
Safe Church Ministry recently held a training event on Restorative Practices in Faith Communities. I'm excited to discuss the training and share links and information about Restorative Practices.
November 6, 2019
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Safe Church Mini-Grants 2020
Safe Church equips congregations in abuse awareness, prevention and response - and now we're providing resources for classis Safe Church Coordinators to help equip others.
November 4, 2019
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Restorative Practices in Action
I’m thankful that ministries within the denomination are partnering with Sherman Street CRC to offer a Restorative Practices training November 8 to 9. Here is how these practices have been transformational for me.
October 16, 2019
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Visitor Policy When Preschool Class Starts Halfway Through Service?
Does your church have a system or policy in place for children's programs that begin mid-service? How do you handle this situation?
October 11, 2019
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Becky Jones Joins Disability Concerns and Safe Church
I'm excited to step into my new role assisting the ministries of Disability Concerns and Safe Church. Find out some of my story below. Looking forward to connecting!
October 11, 2019
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What the Catholic Church Is Doing With the Allegations of History
Take time to read about the ways in which our Catholic brothers and sisters are finding ways to offer reparations for past evil.
October 9, 2019
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Abuse Awareness Sunday Sermon: Two Years After #MeToo
This sermon explores how we as a church lament our history and move from using power for ourselves to using our power with generosity, the way Jesus modeled and taught us.
September 25, 2019
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Safe Church Teams: Resources for Training
Training is part of what a safe church team offers to churches and classes. Though there may not be an easy "one-size-fits-all" option, many resources are available.
September 18, 2019
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Safe Church Advisory Panel Process Training: Oct. 19 in Grand Rapids, MI (And: Sept.28 in Burlington, ON; Oct. 4-5 in Charlottetown, PE)
This specialized training will prepare trainees to respond with compassion and justice when an allegation of abuse is made against a church leader. Sign up at GRapp.eventbrite.com.
September 12, 2019
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Growing Restorative Churches: November 8th & 9th
This two day interactive training will take place in Grand Rapids, MI from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Friday & Saturday, November 8 and 9. Cost: $120 (includes lunch).
September 11, 2019
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Safe Church Teams: Reporting to Classis
Every classis meeting deserves a safe church ministry report. If you are considering what to include in a safe church ministry classis report, this article is for you.
September 9, 2019
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Abuse of Power: Reflection, Lament, and Liturgy
Synod 2019 included a powerful litany that invited delegates to reflect and lament abuse of power that has caused much harm to many within our CRC community. Safe Church offers and recommends this litany for use in churches.
September 5, 2019
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Updates From Safe Church Coordinators: British Columbia
Active safe church ministry in British Columbia (BC) over the years has shown that intentionality, commitment, and strong leadership are key components to success. What can we learn from BC?
August 30, 2019
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APP (Advisory Panel Process) Flow Chart
Here is a brief overview of the Advisory Panel Process. You'll also find a flow chart that illustrates the steps of the process.
August 29, 2019
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On Pain and Lament
As many people who experience suffering from mental illnesses know, this affliction often causes extreme psychological and emotional anguish. I’ve personally found my most meaningful Scripture text in Lamentations.
August 21, 2019
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Caring Well: A New Resource for Churches
Caring Well is wonderful new resource for churches. Discover how caring for those who have experienced abuse is central to the gospel, and learn practical ways to do that in your congregation.
August 21, 2019
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When Women Are Accused of Complicity
This article in The Atlantic talks about women who were accused of complicity in the sexual abuse of other women and children. I wanted the chuch to be aware of this reality.
August 6, 2019
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A Bittersweet Goodbye
Safe Church says goodbye to Miriam Spies, who has been a valuable partner in our work. She will be pursuing further education.