For several weeks we have been encouraging our church community to attend the GRACE Training on Saturday, March 11th. Please join us from 8:30 am-12:30 pm as we learn together from Mike Sloan, Director of GRACE's Safeguarding Initiative Program.

If you would like to explore the subject prior to the training, GRACE's website is full of helpful resources. That being said, we know this subject matter is sensitive. We care deeply about your mental health, and we realize that this subject matter may have reminded you of your own experience or maybe troubling to you in some way. If you would like to talk to someone, please get in touch with Liz Escoffery, Connection Coordinator, at New Hope Counseling. She can connect you to a male or female counselor, pastor, or Women's Shepherding Team member. Cost does not need to be prohibitive.
 

Why are we doing this?

Jesus's emphasis on protecting and caring for the vulnerable is easily seen in the pages of Scripture. This protection and care shouldn't be an afterthought, but a proactive way of life as we seek to follow him. This urgency is fueled by these truths:

• This is common in the church; it won't go away by ignoring it.

• Jesus sacrificed to rescue us; as uncomfortable as abuse is, we should prioritize child safety over comfort.

• Jesus confronts evil instead of hiding it.

• Jesus spoke powerfully about children's value; that they can't face abuse alone.

• Abuse thrives in secrecy, so we have to bring it into the light.

• The Bible often speaks about abuse.

• This is not a side issue but a key issue for all Christians to get more education. This is what it means to walk in the light with Jesus.

On the morning of the training...

We will provide breakfast items and coffee at the beginning of the morning and snacks late morning. There will be a few short breaks during the training. Kids being cared for at church will be offered breakfast items, snacks, and pizza for lunch!