One of the main reasons for the shift was the fact that several months ago it was felt that the Run for the Cure, which is being held Sunday morning, might impede people from getting to the church in a timely fashion. Now that the route has been released, it should have not impact on Knox to any great extent, either for traffic congestion or parking around the church, although worshippers heading to church along New Street should be aware of the potential for delays in that the staging area is at Central Park with the event itself getting under way at 10:30 a.m.
Police checks
This announcement was in last week’s bulletin, but it is worth repeating, and repeating.
The Leading with Care Committee is in the process of finalizing police checks. The Session has adopted to be a “Leading with Care” congregation and therefore requires all persons (including staff) working with children, youth, vulnerable adults, seniors and money, to have a police check. Our insurance company requires this process. If you are involved in any of the listed areas, we are asking you to take responsibility and provide the church office with your police check as soon as possible. It is required to be updated every three years. Compliance is mandatory and the Session will be enforcing the policy.
The Committee needs to have this completed by October 24. We will be contacting you if your records are not updated in the church office. Let’s work together ensuring a climate of safety for our children, youth and vulnerable seniors, while keeping us credible and insurable! Please direct your questions to any member of the Leading with Care Committee, Jackie Harrington, Patty Kirby, Janet MacIntyre and Ian MacIntyre.
So that all everyone might have a better understanding of the implications, the following is an excerpt from a letter written by Marsh Canada Insurance, a company which provides insurance coverage to about 290 Presbyterian churches in Canada. The letter was written at a time when the General Assembly was considering adopting the Leading with Care mandate.
“Congregations who fail to implement the church's proposed volunteer screening and training policy may find themselves without insurance to cover abuse claims. The warning comes from Michael Petersen of Marsh Canada Insurance. Petersen said the coverage "is not a warranty" against possible slip-ups or oversights in abuse protocols. He said the possibility exists for a congregation to make a claim and, if found not to be in full compliance with the guidelines, refused compensation.
“The policy insists that congregations screen volunteers and employees using interviews, references and police records checks. It calls for clearly stated definitions of all forms of abuse and a code of conduct for employees and volunteers. Precautionary measures such as windows in classrooms, keeping doors open during counselling sessions, and avoiding one-on-one time between a child and adult must be implemented.”
And finally, a message from Linda Gowing,
To share the blessings of harvest, each Thanksgiving Knox donates our fresh produce from the display to the Wesley Urban Ministries. This year we are giving the congregation an opportunity to participate in this. If you would like to donate hearty fresh fruits and vegetables with a longer shelf life (cauliflower, brussel sprouts, squash, peppers, onions, melons, pears, apples ...etc) we will be collecting them Thanksgiving Sunday. There will baskets and boxes at the front of the church under the display to place them in at the beginning or end of service. If you have any questions talk to Lynda Gowing.
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