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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Having trouble finding good volunteers? Is it challenging to keep the ones you have? A mentoring program may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Mentoring programs offer an opportunity for your clergy, leaders and experienced volunteers to share their skills and experience with those who are less experienced, to put them on the fast […]
Calling all administrators! Did you know there are two easy ways to pay your Safe Gatherings invoice? And, we’ve got a new feature! There are 2 ways to pay through Safe Gatherings: When you receive the invoice link each month, you can pay with a credit card. Save a step by securely saving your information […]
Congratulations to Anita Harder of LOM Indiana and Kentucky. She visited our booth at the Outdoor Ministries Connection Great Gathering in mid-November and won the punch card prize drawing from Safe Gatherings.
As an organization that serves children and youth, one of your goals is to make sure parents and others feel safe dropping off their children and youth when they attend activities. This includes physical security as well as proper vetting of staff and volunteers. But there’s a balance between having dedicated, thoughtful security measures in […]
Imagine this scenario: As a lifelong member of your church, you are also a dedicated volunteer. You pretty much know everyone in your congregation, including Bill, who has also been a member of the church for decades. When a child comes to you and says that Bill did something inappropriate, you are torn. You’ve known […]