Classis Hamilton Safe Church Team

Report to Classis

January, 2008

Dear Classis Delegates,

1.   Our last meeting was on August 27 and all members were present.

2.   We now have DVD versions of two videos produced by Faith Trust Institute. The first one is titled, "Hear Their Cries - Religious Responses to Child Abuse". All congregations have their share of human problems. And it is a fact that more people go to their minister for assistance with problems than to any other type of helping professional. This makes it essential that religious leaders be knowledgeable about child abuse and courageous in their approach to addressing the problem.

The second one is titled, "Bless Our Children - Preventing Sexual Abuse" which is the story of one congregation’s efforts to include sexual abuse prevention in their children’s religious education.

Both DVDs come with study guides for discussion leaders and decision makers. If you would like to borrow them, please contact John Gilson.

3.   Below are the current members on the Safe Church Team. Please note the churches represented on the team. If your church is not represented, please consider contacting and encouraging someone from your church who may be willing to join the team. Then let John Gilson know. Most of the members have been on the team for over 5 years and we have lost three members during this time period. Should others also feel that their terms are up in the next year or two, we could face a serious shortage of members that could jeopardize the team’s existence. We would rather not find ourselves in that position. Thank you for any assistance you can give to encourage your members to join the team.

John Benjamins (Immanuel CRC, Hamilton)
Tony Boer (Ebenezer CRC, Jarvis)
Judy Cook (Meadowlands Fellowship CRC, Ancaster)
John Gilson, Chairperson (Hope CRC, Brantford)
Monica Heeg-Admiral (Community CRC, Hagersville)
Lori Hensen (Ancaster CRC, Ancaster)
Brenda Hofland (Ebenezer CRC, Jarvis)
Bette Vander Giessen (Bethel CRC, Waterdown)
In His Service,

On behalf of the Classis Hamilton Safe Church Team

John Gilson, Chairperson
Email:      classishamilton@bfree.on.ca

Website:  www.classishamilton.ca (click on the link to Safe Church Team)