1. Expectations and Requirements

2. First off… …thank you so much for serving in the children’s ministry! …thank you for seeing how important Central’s children are! …thank you for investing your time and energy in building God’s kingdom through these precious little ones!

3. Making serving easier All the information you need is in the training materials Sign-up is online, so you can see where you are needed; switching days will be easier; you will get email reminders when your day to serve approaches Most everything you need in the classroom is labeled Hands-on training is available - just ask Rev. Karen to show you the ropes

4. Expectations Be prepared to teach before coming to church Be in the Coliseum at 9:30am to greet children Be kind to the children and be patient with them Stay in the classroom until all children have been picked up Return all materials to their place for the next volunteer to use

5. Safe Sanctuary Requirements Safe Sanctuary is a policy that all Methodist churches are required to have to keep children and vulnerable adults safe in the church. It is unfortunate that predators have made it necessary for churches to have these policies. But if having such a policy either deters or catches a potential predator, it is a policy worth keeping. Safe Sanctuary not only keeps children protected, but it keeps volunteers protected too. Should anything happen to a child (God forbid), and you are following Safe Sanctuary policy, then you will be cleared from suspicion or false accusations. Again, God forbid this ever happens.

6. Safe Sanctuary Policy Highlights All volunteers working with children must have a background check. –Background checks are free to you –Your personal information is kept in a locked safe –Individuals convicted of crimes related to neglect or abuse cannot volunteer in children’s ministries at Central Make physical contact appropriate to age, gender, and circumstances Windows to classrooms cannot be obstructed It is preferable to have two volunteers in the classroom, but when this is not possible, the classroom door must be propped open at all times Do not leave children unattended

7. Safe Sanctuary Full Policy The full policy is available: on the training website in the church office by request