Our Family Holy Communion service on 19th November marked ‘Safeguarding Sunday’. This is a time when churches think about how they are supporting those who have been hurt or harmed and highlight and celebrate all the good work that is being done behind the scenes to protect vulnerable people and create safer cultures and communities for all both now and in the future. Reverend Jacqui, who is a Safeguarding Trainer for the Diocese, provided the reflection which included a Q&A session with one of our Parish Safeguarding Officers about the role.
Jackie also read this poem:
May this place be one of nurture. Where we all may come to know. How your endless love sustains us, As we love and move and grow. May we work to build your kingdom, Full of truth and light and grace, Living life in all its fullness. Held in one divine embrace.
For our negligence and failures. You have called us to repent. Drawing energy for action. From the voices of lament. As the secret hurts long hidden. May at last be brought to light, May the truth unlock the freedom. That is every person’s right.
When the smallest child is valued. And the strong empower the weak, And each human life is hallowed. And the unheard voices speak, Then your justice stands like mountains. And your mercy falls like rain, And you hold the broken-hearted. Til they learn to live again.
So in gratitude we praise you, And we lift to you in prayer. All the people you are calling. To this ministry of care. Give us wisdom, grace and courage, Holding fast to all that’s good, Seeing Christ in one another. We will love and serve our Lord.