The Care of Children and Youth at St. Augustine’s Church Principle:

Every child is precious to God. We believe in providing a safe, nurturing environment for the physical and spiritual growth of children and youth. Children are entrusted to the whole church community by God for our mutual care and learning.

Policies:

Nonviolence is a value of this congregation. Physical violence by either adults or children, is unacceptable at St. Augustine’s. All adults of the congregation share the responsibility for intervening to prevent such violence. Trust and safety are greatly valued at St. Augustine’s. It is the work of every member to help keep children safe at church. Any suspicion of sexual or physical abuse or misconduct toward children or youth by staff or parishioners should be brought to the immediate attention of the Vicar and the Senior Warden, and reported appropriately to the police. As a prudent measure, for everyone’s safety, and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, no adult should be alone in a closed room, car, or the church building with a child or children not in their guardianship. Two or more adults should be present with children. We believe good information promotes safety and trust. Sunday school teachers and youth leaders and clergy are required to take the diocesan sexual abuse prevention training. This is recommended also for teachers and all who work with children. We understand Christian education as a partnership between the family and the church. Parents are welcome and encouraged to drop into child care and classes at any time to check on their children. We wish parents and others to be alert and aware of children’s surroundings. Parents should bear in mind that, despite no trespassing signs, passers-by cross our grounds often. There is a stream and a busy road abutting church property. Building doors are often unlocked. Therefore, we do not believe it is advisable for children under the age of seven to be left to play unsupervised in a church room or on the grounds. We believe it is the work of the whole congregation to help children be at home and welcome in worship. Small noises and disruptions of worship by children, (like the noises and disruptions of worship by adults,) are material for our prayer and not for scolding of children or parents, and are best helped by comfort, distraction, or when needed, very gentle verbal discipline. Children are full members of the church from their baptism on, and are not only welcome but encouraged to receive Holy Communion regularly.

For Health & Hygeine:

We care for the health of bodies as well as spirits. Parents: if your child has a food allergy or other health problem, please be sure child care workers and teachers are aware of it. Workers and parishioners: please check ingredient labels on all foods & beverages. Avoid bringing food with nuts or nut oils, and please add a list of ingredients to home-made food. Be aware that even minute quantities of some allergens such as peanuts can be deadly. Do not give candy to children without parents’ okay. We ask members working with the children to assist in maintaining reasonable hygiene in child areas. Washable toys belonging to the church should be put through the dishwasher or cleansed with soap and hot water at least monthly, and anytime they have been in a child’s mouth. Toys that present a choking risk for toddlers should not be left in the nursery area within the reach of small children. The crib should be wiped down with soap and hot water after each use.

YOUTH SEEK MEANINGFUL ECUMENICAL ENGAGEMENT

by Walt Wiltschek

”Young people have spent years knocking at the door of the World Council of Churches, seeking greater involvement in the life of the organization. In the past few years, that door has opened further.The drive for more significant inclusion grew following the 2006 WCC Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, when delegates affirmed the creation of a new body to communicate with and coordinate the involvement of youth (defined as those age 30 and under) in the life of the WCC. More than 700 youth participated in that assembly.Out of that came Echos – Commission on youth in the ecumenical movement, a group of 25 youth drawn from a wide range of churches and other ecumenical youth organizations. The name of the commission is drawn from the Greek word for “sound”, signifying its desire to send the waves of its voices rippling into the future of ecumenism. Echos held its first meeting in May 2007, and it has continued to build. Four working groups have been developed: collaboration with the WCC, networking with the wider ecumenical movement, ecumenical formation and communications.“When we held our first meeting, we were full of expectations and ideas, and full also of fears” of the challenges ahead, said Diana Fernandes dos Santos of Brazil, who serves as moderator of Echos. “Now we can see some progress in understanding what ecumenism means and what are the real opportunities where young people can participate in the WCC and the wider ecumenical movement.”The youth are clear that they don’t want those opportunities to be token roles or involvement at the edges of organizational life. They want to be involved in significant, meaningful ways at the heart of the WCC’s work and in the world beyond.”

Walt Wiltschek is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren in the United States . He serves as editor of the denomination’s magazine, Messenger.

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New World Council of Churches Head

Norwegian theologian and pastor Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, 48, was elected 7th general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Thursday 27 August during its Central Committee meeting. Tveit will be the youngest general secretary since Willem A. Visser 't Hooft who had led the WCC while it was in process of formation and following its founding assembly