News | Articles

Learning at Home

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

Want to know who invented emojis? Want to be a meteorologist for a day? We’ve got a fun learning resource (good for all ages) for you to share with your family or the families you serve at your church or organization. Scholastic Learn at Home provides day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking and growing. […]

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More Great Ideas

Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

Here’s a great idea we heard about! The United Methodist Camp Retreat Ministries has created a Virtual Camp Program. Each day, campers can log in and follow a day camp session exploring topics such as spiritual development, nature exploration, STEM, music, art, social/emotional learning, exercise and more.  The Virtual Day Camp is a free gift […]

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Nature Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

Children, youth and adults all need fresh air and exercise—it’s good for the mind and soul! We put together a fun and easy nature scavenger hunt that you can put on your website or send out via social media to your children, youth and congregants to encourage them to step outside and explore. Then, encourage […]

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More Lifelong Learning

Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

Did you know that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime? This week’s timely topic that may help you in your role at a church or organization is domestic violence awareness. All families face struggles and adversity together. Couples often disagree […]

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Pilgrim’s Progress Free Screening

Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

The Pilgrim’s Progress, written in 1678 by Pastor John Bunyan who was imprisoned for sharing his faith, is one of the most popular books of all time. The recently released animated feature is described as a “powerful allegory that helps families understand  the spiritual journey is the most important journey in life, as well as […]

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Great Ideas

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

Here’s a great idea we heard about! The ELCA Youth Ministry team has created a YouTube channel called Faith Finder Fun where they post videos every day to occupy young people: Backyard Mondays, Science Fridays, you get the idea. Learn more and meet the team at their website. Have an idea to share about how […]

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Virtual Museum Tours

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

Have kids at home or want to connect with the children and youth at your church or organization? Here are 3 websites that will give them a good start in learning about history and the arts—from the comfort of their computer or tablet. (They won’t even know they are learning!) Learn about the Museum of […]

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Lifelong Learning

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

There are a lot of reasons to continue learning at all ages, including improving your self-confidence and keeping your brain healthy. But in your job as a staff member or volunteer, learning has more practical benefits. This week’s timely topic is starting a Hunger Relief Program: Hunger and food insecurity are formidable problems in the […]

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Free Time

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

In our busy lives, personal growth is not an area that always gets our attention. We’ve got 26 ideas for you, starting with the letter A. You’ll want to get to Z! Click here to get the printable list.

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We are Here for You!

Wednesday, March 18th, 2020

Dear Safe Gatherings community: We are watching along with the rest of the world as things change across the country in the wake of the coronavirus. The ripple effects are many and unknown. We want you to know that Safe Gatherings will continue to serve you in the same ways we always do: with online […]

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One and Done: 5 Reasons Why 1 Background Check is Not Enough

Monday, January 27th, 2020

Most organizations today recognize that it is essential to screen employees and volunteers. But of those organizations, it is evident there are two prevailing opinions regarding the frequency of background checks: those who run one background check at the beginning of a person’s service and then never again; and those who run background checks at […]

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What Would You Do?

Monday, January 27th, 2020

Imagine this scenario: You are in charge of the children’s ministry at your organization and a congregant comes to you with disturbing news. “There’s a sex offender in the congregation,” she says. “I searched the national sex offender website and this person’s name came up.” You did not know about this previously, and you don’t […]

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