Congratulations to the 18 churches in the Northern Illinois Conference for meeting the criteria for Safe Gatherings’ first recognition program, signifying their strong commitment to protecting children, youth, and vulnerable adults in 2018.

In order to receive this recognition, an organization must have a certain number or percentage of active Safe Gatherings approvals. 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.

Those recognized received special window clings, similar to the graphic to the right, to post on doors and windows where members and guests can see that a program is in place to help ensure that their loved ones are in a safe environment while involved in activities. Safe Gatherings says the window clings can be used as conversation starters with parents and caregivers about the church’s protection policies. (See below for the list of churches). 

Safe Gatherings will continue this program in 2019 and look to recognize more NIC Churches. “We sincerely appreciate that you share our mission to protect the vulnerable populations in churches and other faith-based organizations by screening and educating sta and volunteers,” said Sharon Holt, Safe Gatherings President. “We are always working to improve Safe Gatherings. Thank you for being part of this important mission, and please let us know how we can enhance our partnership with you.”

The NIC Safe Sanctuaries Taskforce is launching a survey of our churches to learn more about how each congregation attends to the work of creating a safe space for children, youth and vulnerable adults. The survey has been sent electronically to clergy who are asked to fill out the information or pass it on to the appropriate staff member in the church to complete. Check your inbox! Results will help the Taskforce better equip our congregations for their work. We appreciate your participation.

For more information on how your church can start the Safe Gatherings process visit www.umcnic.org/safesanctuaries.

2018 Safe Gatherings Recognitions

• Barrington
• Deerfield: Christ
• Naperville: Community
• Elston Avenue
• Evanston: First
• Evergreen Park: First
• Fox River Grove: Community
• Bolingbrook: Friendship
• Chicago: Kelly Woodlawn
• Marseilles
• Olympia Fields
• Schaumburg: Our Saviours
• River Forest
• Chicago: St Matthew
• The United Church of Sandwich
• Chicago: Trinity
• Libertyville
• Stockton: Wesley