The well-being of children, youth and all persons is important at North Olmsted United Methodist Church.
The high value and importance this church places on all persons is reflected in our vision and core values. Our church strives to provide “Safe Sanctuary” for all God’s children. We are continually seeking ways to improve and better implement “Safe Sanctuary” procedures to protect our children, youth and vulnerable adults in order to make our congregation a safe place where everyone may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. This includes children’s check in/out procedures, training and background checks for those working with children, youth and vulnerable adults, and procedures that guide the interaction of adults with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Our congregation’s purpose for establishing these Safe Sanctuary policies and procedures is to demonstrate our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all our children, youth and adults. Safe Sanctuary is a practice of radical hospitality, authenticity and an extravagant welcoming spirit.
Therefore, as a Christian community of faith and a United Methodist congregation, we strive to conduct our ministries in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all persons as well as all of the workers who serve children, youth and vulnerable adults. We will follow reasonable safety measures in the selection and recruitment of workers; we will implement operational procedures in all programs and events; we will educate all of our workers with children, youth and vulnerable adults regarding the use of all appropriate policies and procedures.
In all of our ministries with children, youth and vulnerable adults, this congregation is committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ so that each person will be surrounded by steadfast love, established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal. (Baptismal Covenant II,. United Methodist Hymnal, p. 44).
Find out more at http://www.gbod.org/leadership-resources/safe-sanctuaries.