In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver
Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.
Location: Online via Zoom
Safe Sanctuaries® is an overt expression in making congregations safe places where children, youth, and elders may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. Safe Sanctuaries® is a “social structure that is consistent with the gospel” allowing our sanctuaries, classrooms, mission encounters, camps, retreats, and all spaces where we gather to worship and serve God to be places of trust.
Learn more about Safe Sanctuaries
Spring 2027 Training
Sat., April 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
Cost $20, includes class instruction and background check
Online registration coming
Attendance for all three hours of class and background check passed before completion certificate is issued.
Is your Church interested in hosting an in-person Safe Sanctuaries training?
Contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer for more information.
Looking for an online individual option?
The Northern Illinois Conference partners with Safe Gatherings as an individual online training option.
Safe Gatherings is an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When using Safe Gatherings, upon successful completion of the application, background and reference checks, and the online training program, each applicant will receive documentation of approval valid for three years, and will have continued access to the online training program for an entire year. Screening includes obtaining background checks and professional references. The $35 training is comprehensive, and applicants may complete the online training modules at their own pace. The training typically takes about 2 hours to complete and are offered in english or spanish.