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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

The ministry of Safe Sanctuaries needs to be reframed. It needs to be something we see as life-giving and community enhancing, first and foremost. Instead of viewing this as something we have to do, it can be something we are inspired to do, a proactive endeavor that enables flourishing ministry. Building safer sanctuaries can be an empowering, joyful way of being in community that promotes honesty, openness, and the safety and security of all people, rather than an obligation borne of fear and mandates.

Bishop Peggy Johnson, “Why Are You Here Really?” in Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust Within Faith Communities (Discipleship Resources, 2023)

Today’s Question

What policies does your church have in place to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
—Psalm 4:8 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, we recognize that all people are entrusted to our care. We respond to your will for us to watch over one another. Help us keep our eyes alert to dangers and keep our ears attentive to even silent cries for help. Use our community to be a place of safety for all. Amen. [prayer adapted from Safer Sanctuaries]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Now available in Spanish, Safer Sanctuaries is a trusted source of guidance for churches and other affiliated institutions as they work to reduce the risk of abuse in their communities. Learn more at SaferSanctuaries.org.

Lectionary Readings

  • Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
  • Psalm 19
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
  • Luke 4:14-21

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 20, 2025 5:56 am

    There is a safe sanctuary policy at CCUMC as is required for every UMC. Our policy was recently reviewed accepted at church conference. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted January 20, 2025 6:30 am

    I don’t know of any “policies” – but I believe my church to be very safe, welcoming and protective. I believe the work we do in the community and in partnership with other churches has our standing in good light in our community.
    Very frigid here this morning. I am seeing my PCP this morning and will engage in ongoing conversation about pain management and whether to seek guidance from a neurologist. Playing tennis following that and then a visit with one of my hospice patients. My friend with the dogs has invited me over for a dinner of calamari and watching the college football championship game. OH – IO.

  • April Posted January 20, 2025 4:26 pm

    Our church takes safe sanctuaries very seriously. We are moving to implement more measures to insure that everyone is safe. Some examples include:
    Our elevators to the level where children are is keyed so that only those with credentials can access that level.
    Camera are being installed at entrance doors.
    More that I don’t know about I am sure. Our church is a big building with lots of hallways and rooms, so feel safe when I go there even when it is not Sunday.
    Praying that everyone is safe and warm with the frigid temps. Thankful for places where the homeless can go .

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