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Greetings!
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Here is the latest Vestry eResource! We hope these resources will be a help to you as you serve your congregation and community in this important ministry.
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Safe Church Certification
Making your church SAFE
We are approaching the start of another program year in our churches with church school, youth groups and choirs ramping up for another year. As you begin to invite new people into these ministries, please keep in mind that we all need to renew our awareness of safe church practices to protect our children and youth.
Starting in 2013, the diocese has been offering an on-line training program for clergy, church leaders, those who minister with children and youth as well as other ministers and church employees. Those who are in need of their 3-year renewal of Safe Church Training can be recertified by taking two modules on line. Clergy active in congregations are required to take all available on-line modules this year regardless of their re-certification status in order to know what their parishioners are experiencing.
We continue to offer in person-training for those who minister with children and youth in overnight or off-campus settings and those who are licensed as Eucharistic Visitors. Each congregation has designated an on-line training administrator to set up access for those in need of training.
Find the specifics for the on-line Safe Church Training Program by clicking the Safe Church Certification button on the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island homepage or by following this link. http://www.episcopalri.org/WhatWeDo/SafeChurchProgram/tabid/349/Default.aspx
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The Realities of Newsletters & Churches
It is important to be realistic about the reach of newsletters (both print and online) so we don't rely on them to do more than they can or miss the biggest benefits. In this article Church Communications Consultant Martin Davis presents readership stats to help you keep your goals realistic for the newsletters in your church communications plan.
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Young Adults:
Reversing the Exodus
Young Adults today are more likely to claim no religious affiliation than previous generations, but are also more likely to be spiritually minded. So how do we get them to come to church?
The Hartford Institute has published a study on churches that have successfully engaged young adults, and this article offers 7 insights. For example: a strong focus on Scripture, prayer, and other spiritual practices; good use of technology; and a willingness to incorporate young adults into leadership. Read full story here
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Your Parish Info Online
Your church info is online in more places than your website. Be sure these sites have your info right, so you can be found:
TEC website
become a web editor to update your parish service times etc.
Google Places
claim your listing to make sure your church shows up in the right spot on google maps & add things like pictures and service times.
Yelp Keep track of reviews your church is getting by searching for it on www.yelp.com. Have a bad review? Ask parishioners to go leave some good ones!
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