Safeguarding
Dear Holy Spirit Family.
During this stewardship season as we pray about what treasure to share with the church’s mission to teach and spread the Good News of Jesus, I would also ask that you consider your time and talent as well. All three of these, time, talent, and treasure are needed to further the mission of Holy Spirit.
Time and talent are vital gifts. They help with treasure as we do not need to hire out for some of our programming. They allow us to be flexible as some ministries are seasonal and do not need to hire a full-time person. When you volunteer your time and talent you become more integrated into the life of the church and there is a deeper sense of belonging. You learn more about the faith of the church and your own faith. You become a part of why we are here: to plant and water the Kingdom of God in the hearts of the people we serve leaving fertile ground for God to grow faithful people into disciples.
Part of that volunteer work means that we need to love our neighbor and ensure safety for those that are vulnerable around us. Serving and protecting the children and older people that are more dependent upon the service of others. To that end we will once again be implementing Safeguarding. Safeguarding teaches us and makes us aware of things that might be unlikely to happen and yet is necessary so that we can guard our neighbors from harm.
Safeguarding takes time and effort. Initial training involves both online training and for some people in person training. We have a trainer in the office so setting those in person times will be easier. There will be someone at the office to guide you through the process should the need arise.
The reward of being Safeguarding certified far outweighs the effort. The reward is a safer environment for the vulnerable in our churches, the young and old, and even those in between. Another reward is that once certified it will be five years before you have to recertify in those courses you take. And even then, then it is all online, at your own pace, and at your own time of choosing.
As we walk in love together let’s allow the joy of the Lord to continue to grow here. Please continue to give your time, talent, and treasure so that Holy Spirit can continue to be the vibrant church it always has been. Please become Safeguarding certified for the health of the church.
Thank you all for all you do!
God’s Peace,
Fr. Mitch+