Today’s Reflection
Boundary-keeping is an important part of a church’s identity, and it is vital that we make this identity clear to the community both in and outside of the church. Keeping people safe is as important as all the other ministries we do because it enables us to be church in concrete ways and it empowers other ministries to thrive. It requires discipline to keep our identity centered in Christ, to stay focused on the work of Christ, and not to get side-tracked by other identities.
— Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust Within Faith Communities (Discipleship Resources, 2023)
Today’s Question
What do you think about the statement “Keeping people safe is as important as all the other ministries we do”? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
—Psalm 16:6 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Holy God, we recognize that all people are entrusted to our care. We
respond to your will for us to diligently watch over one another. Help us keep our eyes
alert to dangers. Enable us to have attentive ears to even the silent cries for help. … Use our community to be a sure place of safety
for all. Use our community to be a source of overflowing love and compassion. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Prayer from page 222, Safer Sanctuaries
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Since 1998, Safe Sanctuaries resources have been a trusted source of guidance for churches and other affiliated institutions as they work to reduce the risk of abuse in their communities. Now, Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry on the strong foundation of past resources while also inspiring and preparing churches for the work of the future. Learn more at SaferSanctuaries.org.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
I think this is a “new-ish” concept, but one that is significant. What is quite a sad testament is that we need to keep safe within the church…ie – often we (the members of the church) hurt each other the most. Trust must be established and then held sacred. All other ministries will have the potential to flourish well when the members are working towards a single goal – bringing Him glory, amidst a strong foundation of trust.
Schedules are out of whack here, with students in and out for AP and IB testing. I think I will see one of my afternoon classes today. But if testing runs over, who knows.
Meeting a friend for dinner near my house and then she is coming by to go over the next chapter in our book. This chapter discusses Christ’s miracles. I am grateful for doing those book in conjunction with and now on the heels of my small group’s study of Luke.
Julie – praying you get needed relief/comfort from this injection.
Right now, the Department of Justice is investigating some church organizations who may have covered up incidents of abuse. It is apparently so bad As to be systemic. It is an example of abuse of power and lack of respect for proper boundaries. It is truly heartbreaking and shameful. The church needs to do a better job of keeping people safe. Keeping rookie safe can allow the church to focus on why it is here: to share good news of Christ in a manner that others hear the news as good.
Jill, prayers as you do the doula training. It is a needed ministry and will give you the opportunity to be a blessing.
Julie, I pray the infusion will provide relief from pain and enhance your quality of life. Praise God that it will be covered by insurance.
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