Stewartstown United Methodist Church

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Stewartstown U.M.C .

Safe Sanctuary

Volunteer Covenant Statement

The congregation of Stewartstown U.M. Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church. The following statements reflect our congregation's commitment to preserving this church as a holy place of safety and protection for all who enter; as a place where all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.  

1. No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse) should volunteer to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity.  A person who has been so convicted by law, will be welcomed into the redemptive fellowship of the congregation, and may serve in other areas, but should not volunteer to be with children or youth.

2. Adult survivors of child abuse are offered  the love and support of our congregation. Any adult survivor who desires to volunteer in some capacity to work with children or youth is encouraged to discuss his/her willingness with our church's Senior Pastor.

3. All adult volunteers supervising children or youth of our church need to be active in the life of the congregation for at least six months before beginning a volunteer assignment. “Active involvement” will be determined by the Senior Pastor.

4. Adult volunteers with children and youth shall observe the "two-adult rule" at all times so that no adult is alone with children or youth.

5. Adult volunteers supervising children and youth shall attend regular training and educational events provided by the church to keep volunteers informed of church policies and state laws regarding child abuse.

6. Adult volunteers shall immediately report to their supervisor any behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate. 

Please answer each of the following questions:

1. As a volunteer in this congregation, do you agree to observe the "'two-adult rule" at all times?   ___ Yes ___ No

2. As a volunteer supervising children and youth in this congregation, do you agree to abide by the “six-month rule” before beginning a volunteer assignment that involves leadership or contact with children or youth?  ___ Yes ___ No

3. As a volunteer supervising children and youth in this congregation, do you agree to participate in training and education events provided by the church related to your volunteer assignment?   ___ Yes ___ No

4. As a volunteer in this congregation, do you agree to promptly report abusive or inappropriate behavior to your supervisor?  ___ Yes  ___ No

5. As a volunteer in this congregation, do you agree to inform the Senior Pastor of this congregation if you have ever been convicted of child abuse? ___ Yes ___ No

I have read this Volunteer Covenant Statement, and I agree to observe and abide by the policies set forth above:

Signature of Volunteer Applicant__________________________________  

Date __________________

Print full name ___________________________________________________________       

June 30, 2003

Please Complete and turn in to Senior Pastor