Each of us shares the honor of helping shape our immediate and extended environments. This is especially true of chlidren's environments. Even if we are not related to a child, or engaged in child-assisting occupations, we still influence children's environments.

Sadly, the mistreatment of children, especially the sexual abuse of children, is an ever-present reality.  Sex abuse can happen wherever children gather -- in their neighborhoods, clubs, sports, schools and, regretably in their churches or youth groups. Yet, our very presence can be an instrument of change for the better.

To address this situation, the Diocese of Chicago has developed the workshop program Keeping God's People Safe (KGPS). The program has two main levels. Level One, Protecting God's People; Level Two, Leading & Caring for God's People.

Transfiguration parishioners Sue Burke and Katherine Hamann offer KGPS training twice a year, and we require clergy, employees, Church School teachers, and any others who work with children to complete this important training.

To learn more about Keeping God's Peopls Safe, visit our diocesan web site.

Curious to know what’s going on with your parish leadership? Join us at 7 p.m. in the lower level conference room on the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) as the Vestry meets to manage the business of the congregation. If you’re interested in keeping up but don’t have time to attend the meetings, you can always find the most recent meeting minutes posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.