It all starts with volunteers

   Football players, cheerleaders, kids in the Band, parents in the stands, and even folks behind the counter at the concession stands: everyone knows that football season is upon us. High Schools and Middle Schools have been playing for a couple of weeks now and college teams start in full force this weekend. All of it to the delight of a hundred million fans watching from the bleachers, in their living rooms, or even on some tablet with their toes in the sand.

   To think that it all started with a volunteer somewhere: recreation sports coaches, a mom or a dad in the backyard, or even an older sibling or family member. Whatever passion a young person puts on display, it almost always finds its genesis with the encouragement and supervision of someone who wasn't paid.

   Our church is blessed by children of all ages who run through our halls, sit in our classrooms, and travel with our groups. But, none of it happens without the adults who show up to encourage and supervise. We teach them right from wrong and show them the love of Jesus. We listen to their silly stories, knowing that they are watching how we live out our own life-stories. We have fun with them and give them room to be serious, too. Each of those moments happens best when adults, in groups of two, are working with small groups of children.

   Every church says they believe in children. Every church proclaims that children are our future. The idea is not original to us: think about the place Jesus gave them in Mark 10:14. I love the church who puts their words into actions. Bonaire does that. We're offering two different opportunities for committed adults to receive training in one of the linchpin parts of how we protect children and youth and provide great places for them to learn and grow. Youth parents and volunteers are invited on Sunday, September 13 at 5:30 PM to a Youth Parent's Night that will feature a look ahead to great stuff being planned. Parents and volunteers with children are invited to the Celebrate and Update Event on Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 PM. Both events will include a component of training around the best methods for protecting children and our church.

   We are blessed to have children show up. It is a stewardship of the most important degree. I am thankful to every adult who is willing to be present with them in these early years in order to shape their later years for the good. Grace and Peace, Scott

What We Do For Children

What Is Happening

  The tragedy and scandal at the Penn State University football program continues to make headlines as the findings of various investigations are released and now as punishments and consequences are meted out. At the center of this tragedy are the actions of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky and the inactions of head coach Joe Paterno, along with the school's president and others in key leadership positions. The scale of this story is enormous. That it happened at one of the most highly respected universities in the country is shocking. That the all-time winningest coach at the top level of college football would be involved is even more so.
  The ramifications of what is being uncovered are far-reaching. My initial reaction from nearly a year ago was that this will reshape not just college athletics or the world of sports, but nonprofits and all organizations that serve in and around children. I continue to pray for the families of the victims and the entire community that is grieving.
  This tragedy, like the shooting deaths in Aurora, Colorado last week, is unsettling. I think it gives us reason to clearly define what it is we believe.

What We Believe

  The Bible tells us that every person is created in the image of God and therefore has great and immeasurable value in the eyes of God, the Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:27-31). Jesus goes on to define a right relationship with God as one that is like a father and child (Matthew 6:9). He goes on to say that entrance into heaven hinges on changing to have childlike characteristics (Matthew 18:3). Finally, Jesus speaks a word of woe to anyone who would cause one of these "little ones" to stumble. The church is a collected group of people who are seeking to live by the Kingdom values taught by Jesus and found in the Scriptures, but also who are teaching and confirming such grace-filled living in the others who are welcomed on the journey (Ephesians 1:18-23). Embodying the love and radical grace of Jesus is what it means for the church to be the 'Body of Christ' in the world.

What We Do (in response to our beliefs)

  A number of years ago, our church council adopted a Safe Sanctuaries policy, similar to the one required of every United Methodist Church in South Georgia, to be intentional about protecting children, our church, and our volunteers. It sets some minimums for both recruitment of volunteers (time involved at church, background checks, etc.) and establishes policies about how children are supervised (at least two approved persons present, no groups in rooms without windows or open doors, etc.). We continue to live into what this means for our church.

  In addition to our volunteers, the Conference required a day-long session of Sexual Ethics training for clergy serving United Methodist churches every three years. Scott is scheduled to attend his third round of this in September of this year.

  Starting this year, we have adopted the principles of ORANGE ministry with children and families. ORANGE is about the church's commitment to partner with families to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of the next generations. Families are first in the line of influencers of children, so we want to help them train up children in the best possible way. This means we are encouraging more participation by adults in children's ministry events instead of less. We love families of every size (family is 1+)!

  Beyond just policies and practices, we pray. We pray for those who have been hurt by the world and for those not yet reached by God's love. We pray for every child in our care and prepare for all of those who will arrive someday. We pray that as we teach and model the love of God we know we are also greatly loved.

Getting the Answers Right

   Jay Leno, who debuted for a second time as host of the Tonight Show, has again made popular the concept of a roving sidewalk-reporter. His 'Jaywalking' sketches feature easy questions that draw crazy responses from the average gal or guy on the street. On the few occasions that I'm still up that late, I find these hilarious. But despite the humor, we know that we are not best measured by words, are we? For as funny or serious, or right or wrong, our words can be, we know actions to be much truer indicators of who we are.
   Every congregation will make statements about their love for children, and the value they place on having children involved. Think about the place Jesus gave them in Mark 10:14.  What about our actions? One of the great blessings our church is in the midst of experiencing is the growing presence of children every Sunday morning. Their energy, and the hope that accompanies them, are great encouragement for us all. How do we give the right answer, beyond mere words, when asked about how we value children? 
   We teach them right from wrong, and show them the love of Jesus. We listen to their silly stories, knowing that they are watching how we live out our own life-stories. We have fun with them in play, and give them room to be serious, too. Each of those moments happens best when adults, in groups of two, are working with small groups of children. This very formula helped create a great week of Vacation Bible School.
   Committed adults stepped forward this week for training in new ministries that will allow these very things to happen.  Volunteers are also trained and abide by our Safe Sanctuaries protocol, because we will do whatever it takes to protect our children and our leaders. These are leaders willing to use gifts to teach, serve, and play with kids. 
   Every time a leader stoops over to be present in the life of a child, they are giving answers that speak volumes - sometimes without ever saying a word.  That is how right belief leads to right action. Grace and Peace, Scott