Annual Conference 2023

Safe Sanctuaries Training

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Safe Sanctuaries Training
When
Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Workshop Leaders:  Joy Melton and Michelle Foster-Beckerleg Rev. Joy Melton - author of the "Safe Sanctuaries" series of books and resources published by Discipleship Resources. Rev. Melton is a recognized national leader in the area of development of ministry protection and abuse prevention policies. A graduate of Pfeiffer University, Scarritt College, and Emory University School of Law, she is uniquely qualified to understand both the legal and ecclesial issues involved with cases of abuse within the church. Rev. Michelle Foster-Beckerleg - co-author with Joy Melton of Safe Sanctuaries in a Virtual World published by Discipleship Resources. Michelle is a Deacon, currently serving as Minister of Congregational Care and Spiritual Formation at Covenant United Methodist Church in High Point, and as leader of Safe Sanctuaries training in our conference. The training will include discussion of best practices for preventing abuse with children and youth for ministries both within and beyond the walls of the local church. It will also include best practices for ministry with older adults and vulnerable adults that may not be included in the older adult age range. And, some of our time together will be spent exploring best practices regarding social media, the church and its ministries. The training is open to all who would like to come and learn. Participants are encouraged to bring a pen or pencil and any questions that they might have. United Methodists affirm that all children, youth and vulnerable adults have the right to safe sanctuary. The Northern Piedmont District and the Western North Carolina Conference want to assure that all local churches have the information and resources to provide for the safety of all who enter our buildings and participate in our activities. Every United Methodist Church should have Safe Sanctuaries policies and procedures that are being followed as they are in ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Churches are asked every year during charge conference season to review and update their policies and procedures, and to take a fresh look how they are actually following and using them. This is very important work as we seek to be a safe sanctuary for everyone. Here are links to several Safe Sanctuaries resources available through Cokesbury: