Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Vestry and some of our volunteers have already heard from Connie Allport about the need to complete the Safeguarding All God’s Children training. Because it’s not just an issue for St. Margaret’s but for our community in general, I’ve asked Connie, who is the person here coordinating that effort, to write a bit more about it.
*****
Connie writes: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Bethlehem require that all adult volunteers (age 18+) obtain criminal background clearances every 60 months. The Diocese of Bethlehem requires that all adhere to diocesan policies.
Can the personal approach to these requirements shift from a check list for St. Margaret’s to a larger “world view?” Now, in our everyday lives, there are reports of sexual misconduct in our communities and the country. These reports are not isolated to a certain place, age, or gender. At this time, many schools are requiring background checks on those adults who “chaperon field trips” for their children or grandchildren.
Doing background checks and going over the policies for the protection of children and youth gives us a heightened awareness of potential situations that could endanger the welfare of our children. These requirements can lead us to a bigger focus of how we are the “Body of Christ” not only at St. Margaret’s but in the world. Let us go out as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Body of Christ caring for one another. We are all potential observers and reporters of misconduct.
I just heard from a friend of 25+ years, a grandmother, who walked through a circumstance involving her grandson, and sexual misconduct by the coach of a varsity team. The parents did not know what to do. Together, as a family, they encouraged and supported their son/grandson. He testified, and the consequences for the coach are impending.
The “work” of getting background checks and reading policies is the same for all. But the “why” can be a focus on the bigger picture, the bigger world view. We are the “Body of Christ” going out each day into the world with a new heart.
*****
Thank you, Connie, for the labor of love!
JOY!
Mo. Laura+
Announcements:
Our newly ordained Deacon Jennifer Burkhardt has now heard from Bishop Kevin where she will be stationed: at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Her last day with us will be September 17. Although we’ll be sad to see her go, the Cathedral is absolutely the best place for her to continue her training and to allow her to make contacts throughout the diocese and in the community. Among other things, she will be working with Deacon Rodney Conn, one of the most active deacons in the diocese, who is also involved very much involved with ministries to those in need. So it’s a match made in heaven, or at least Bethlehem!
PLEASE HELP! One of our parishioners has a new I-Pad and is having trouble wrestling it into submission. Would someone who speaks Apple volunteer to spend an hour with her, setting it up and showing her how to make it obedient? She had an old I-Pad, so she speaks Apple, but the new one is quite different. She needs it to stay in touch with the church.
The Finance Committee asked me to tell you that they now have mid-year statements for you. If you want them, please send George Allport a note: gallport@pa.net. We’ll have them at church. If you would rather we mail them, please let George know that, also, with your mailing address. Thank you for your generosity!