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Safer Sanctuaries Training

The NC Conference presents a Safer Sanctuaries training with Michele Pavelich…

July 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

An optional lunch with a time of fellowship will follow the event.

White Plains UMC

313 SE Maynard Rd
Cary, NC 27511
Free with the option for lunch for $15

Safer Sanctuaries Training

Every United Methodist congregation is required to have a Safer Sanctuaries policy — but this is more than paperwork. Safer Sanctuaries is a way of being in ministry. It’s a movement to make our churches safe places for children, youth, vulnerable adults, and the people who minister with them. This training will give you the theological grounding, practical tools, and hands-on experience to help your congregation not only have a policy but also make it central to the life of the church.

*Please note that Safer Sanctuaries and abuse prevention material have the potential to be triggering. While our facilitator will remind attendees throughout the day about the challenging material, attendees should also take agency to care for themselves as needed.

Who Should Attend

  • Leaders (clergy or laity) responsible for creating, revising, or training others in Safer Sanctuaries.
  • Anyone new to Safer Sanctuaries or anyone who needs a refresher.
  • Children or youth ministry leaders, or anyone tasked with training volunteers in their church’s policy.
  • Congregational care leaders working with vulnerable adults.

What You’ll Gain

  • A clear understanding of why every congregation needs a Safer Sanctuaries policy.
  • The ability to recognize the essential policy components and adapt them to your ministries.
  • Confidence to be a Safer Sanctuaries champion in your congregation.

Ready to save your seat?

We recommend that every local church team charged with creating or updating their church’s policy have a copy of Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities. The first 35 registrants whose church has not yet received this resource will receive a free book at the event. To receive the free book, you must be in attendance.

If your church would like to purchase the book, it is available in both print and electronic formats on Cokesbury and Upper Room.

About Michele Pavelich

Michele Pavelich, originally from upstate New York, holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina. She has lived in New York, England, Texas, Wyoming, and has called North Carolina home since 2014. A lifelong United Methodist, Michele brings 25 years of experience in children’s ministry and has held various leadership roles within the church. Her roles have included committee chair for launching a preschool, Vice-President and Spiritual Growth Coordinator of United Methodist Women, and leader of various adult Bible studies. She has participated in mission trips to Colombia and Peru and led parenting classes, divorce workshops for children, and support groups for military spouses.

Currently, Michele serves as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at White Plains UMC in Cary, NC. She is also a leader on the Family Ministry Team, facilitates an after-school tutoring program, and serves on the NC Conference Safer Sanctuaries Team.

Michele has three adult daughters, two grandsons, and a granddaughter. She currently resides with her three cats and, in her spare time, enjoys spending time with family, hiking, sewing, and reading.