Greetings …

Many things falls on Sunday 3 September … not only is it the first Sunday in Spring, it is also Father’s Day, a Communion Sunday, my nephews birthday and Child Safe Sunday.  Each of these are worth celebrating in their own way.  Spring is a season of hope, renewal and new life.  Communion reminds us of the familial relationship God desires to have with us and what Jesus’ part in this.  My nephew’s birthday is a time to celebrate who he is and who he is becoming.

Child Safe Sunday is also an opportunity to celebrate.  It is a reminder that we are called to be a community of Christ in which we are all safe.  Each year we recommit as a congregation to being a safe place for children which is reflected in our policies and practices.

This is not a new thing for the Uniting Church, and it is about much more than policy and practice, as we believe it is who we are called to be.  The National Safe Church Unit explains it as follows …

Safeguarding is the approach we take to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people, so they flourish and thrive into the people God calls them to be.

Safeguarding is about more than “safety”, which is about preventing risk and harm.  It is about working with children and youth people so they feel safe, supported, and their sense of wellbeing enables them to thrive.

God calls us to safeguard children and young people.

Our Church expects us to safeguard children and young people.

The law requires everyone over the age of 18 to safeguard children and young people, as individuals, groups and as an organisation.

My hope for us as a church is that we might continue to be a safe place, not just for children, but for everyone.  It is the way that we can physically, emotionally and spiritually care for one another.

Blessings – Heather (she/her).