[sepc] SEPC Nursery Volunteering Update

[Lydia Mayberry]

Greetings, SEPC family,

On Sunday, I shared a few updates regarding nursery ministry.
As promised, I am sending out an email to re-cap on what our new process
will be and provide you with the details:

*What is changing?*
For various reasons over the past year (COVID being one of them), we have
had a difficult time getting enough regular volunteers to sign-up for
nursery. Per the advice of some of our elders, I am implementing a new
process for nursery volunteer signups and *adopting an opt-out rather than
opt-in set-up*. Going forward, I will be putting out a quarterly schedule
of nursery volunteers., which *will assign all our church members a date to
serve in a rotation.* *Individuals and families who do not wish to serve
may choose to opt out or find someone else to take their slot. My hope is
that this will get a lot more people involved in caring for our children.

*Why it's important? *
As I mentioned on Sunday, nursery really is a fundamental starting point
for families of young children to be able to be grafted into our church
body and to connect and grow. Reliable care for nursery-age kids helps
parents (members and visitors alike) feel more comfortable and allows them
to be engaged more fully in worship, ministry, and community with the rest
of the church. Serving in nursery is part of taking seriously our baptismal
promises to help care for our covenant children.  It is also a great way to
for YOU to connect with other individuals and families within our church.

*How will we be going about this change?*
This week and next, I will be working on a summer nursery schedule
(remainder of June through September) and will send that out in a separate
email. Also working with children's education committee to set up a time to
give a refresher on Child Protection Policy, particularly for the sake of
any new volunteers.

- The nursery schedule will now be a Google doc viewable/accessible to the
church body.
- A printed copy will also be posted outside the nursery door (like we used
to do).
- I will reach out to individuals/families directly to confirm date before
adding them to schedule.
- I will continue to send out weekly reminders to volunteers for each
upcoming Sunday.
- If you end up being unable to serve on your assigned Sunday, please try
first to swap weeks with another volunteer.
- If you cannot find someone to cover for you, let me know and I will
assist you in finding a sub.

*If you wish to opt-out of serving in nursery at this time, please send me
an email or shoot me a message via text:* *423-400-0506*
*If you are not a member but are a regular attender that would like to be
involved in serving in nursery, please let me know.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you might
have.
Thank you all for your care for and dedication to caring for our church
body in this way!


Best,

Lydia Mayberry
Nursery Director, SEPC
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