Safeguarding Children workshops, May 30

"Safeguarding God's Children" is a workshop focused on a practical understanding of how to keep children safe, and exactly how to set up the proper safeguards for your ministries. Nebraska Synod offers a workshop for congregational leaders in May.
This morning workshop will take place before the 2008 Nebraska Synod Assembly convenes in Grand Island on Friday, May 30.

"We must be vigilant about making all of our Christian education situations a safe environment," said Bishop David L. deFreese. "These preventative training opportunities protect everyone - adults as well as children. I truly hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity."

These workshops focus primarily on preventing abuse of children, using the format of SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN, a highly respected program. Through the Safeguarding God's Children materials, participants learn how offenders trick us, how they abuse children, and what the warning signs are. After the workshop, participants leave with a much more positive and practical understanding of how to keep children safe, and exactly how to set up the proper safeguards for their ministries. It is truly "trust your gut" training.

We recommend having several people from your congregation attend.

Safeguarding God's Children Training for every Congregation
This two-part workshop for ministry leaders and anyone else interested will be offered in Grand Island on Friday, May 30, 2008 - in the morning before the 2008 Nebraska Synod Assembly begins.

(FYI - Assembly opening worship begins at 1 p.m. at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island.)

May 30
9 a.m. to noon

at St. Paul's Lutheran, 1515 South Harrison St., Grand Island

There are two parts to this workshop:

Part 1

9 to 10:30 a.m. will provide an understanding of the dynamics of sexual abuse, including what to do if you have concerns about a person's behavior or if you suspect that someone has been molested, and how to recognize signs that a person may have been abused. This is excellent training for any adult concerned about the safety of children and youth.

Part 2

10:30 to 12 noon offers concrete steps you can take to help prevent sexual abuse in church and school settings. This training is designed for clergy and lay staff who are responsible for planning, implementing or supervising congregational ministries, activities and programs.

To register, please contact Francis Hall (308-382-2973,) or
Kathy Paisley (402-423-4769 ext 107).