Since the Cherish Our Children Initiative began, other synods have expressed interest in the program. Here are the latest updates as of April 1, 2007:

Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Bishop Jon Anderson and others gathered for three hours last week to share how they see commercial sexual exploitation impacting the young people of that synod and what could be done about it. Task Force members are contacting youth directors who attended the National Youth Gathering to have conversations with them about the presentation by Heidi, a Speaker from Adults Saving Kids. Bishop Anderson will be speaking with the conference deans, campus ministry staff, and Bible camp directors about Cherish Our Children.

Minneapolis Area Synod
Bishop’s Task Force members are gathering in September to be further trained in speaking about Cherish Our Children to congregations and other groups. There are plans to speak to the conference deans, with an interest in developing at least one Cherish Our Children “key contact” in each conference. There is a strong interest in a synod follow-up event to build on the energy of the National Youth Gathering. 

Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
Bishop’s Task Force members will be sharing Cherish Our Children at two fall church council leadership events, the pastors’ conference meetings, and with the Youth Ministry Network. They will include information and sample policies about how to have congregations be safe places for children. They are also creating a “Cherish Prayers” manual for congregations which will provide a step-by-step implementation timeline, sample prayers, and other resources. There are plans for three day-long trainings in the spring for congregations interested in being a part of Cherish Our Children .

North Texas/North Louisiana Synod
Bishop’s Task Force members gathered for a conference call last week. They are planning a congregational training in October as well as additional prayer and Wise as Serpents trainings.  Members have particular interests in campus ministry, prayer, and the needs of teens in their congregations.

Southeast Iowa Synod
There is an initial gathering of people interested in Cherish Our Children scheduled for the end of August. The plan is to generate a Bishop’s Task Force out of the people who attend. 

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