Safe Sanctuaries Moving to Safe Gatherings

Beginning January 1, 2020, the Missouri Conference will transition the online abuse prevention program, Safe Sanctuaries, to Safe Gatherings. Safe Gatherings is an improvement to the current procedure and equipping tool. It is similar to Safe Sanctuaries in that it is an abuse prevention system that incorporates an online application, abuse prevention training, background checks and reference checks for staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults in group settings. Safe Gatherings is more relevant, technologically progressive and user friendly. All pastors under appointment or assignment as well as Local Church Associates (LCAs) received notification of the transition on Friday, October 4, 2019. To read more about the transition, visit: https://www.moumethodist.org/safesanctuaries.

Applications Open for 2019 LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Ministry Grant

If you’re looking for financial support to start a new place with LGBTQIA+ persons as missional leaders or as the primary focus you may apply for the Inclusive Ministry Grant. Applying is easy and will require thoughtful answers to questions, so don’t wait to get started. The application deadline is November 1. Apply at https://missouri-reg.brtapp.com/2019InclusiveMinistryGrantApplication.