August 11 Keeping God's People Safe Training

The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 2610 N. Francisco Avenue, is inviting the other faith communities of Logan Square to attend the two step “Keeping God’s People Safe” training on Saturday, August 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The ‘Protecting God’s People” class is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Beverages and snacks will be provided. There will be a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their brown bag lunches. The “Leading & Caring for God’s People” class is scheduled from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The class descriptions follow.

PROTECTING GOD'S PEOPLE is the first step in the program. WATCH – ACT – TEACH are the key actions needed to protect against child sexual abuse. Each one of us shares the honor of helping shape a child’s environment. For this reason, the class is suitable for all adult members of the congregation – even those without children. The sexual abuse of children is not an exclusively church problem; it happens wherever children gather. PROTECTING GOD'S PEOPLE can be added to adult education programs or be part of a parenting class series.

LEADING & CARING FOR GOD'S PEOPLE is the second step. This step has two goals. First, Church leaders learn of ways to form abuse-resistant organizations and discuss ways of spreading this awareness through their communities. Its second purpose is to call attention to unintended consequences that sometimes arise in pastoral relationships. Care-givers need to be cautiously mindful of their own needs. By appropriately caring for themselves, they can be the caring and careful care-givers the Holy Spirit inspires.

To register for the training, contact the Church of the Advent at 773/235-1161. For more information, please contact the Rev. Sandra Castillo at the above phone number.