Safeguarding Reflection - Margaret Birks

I have learned so much over the last 18 months since I took on the Safeguarding role at St Luke’s, but there have been two things that have particularly stood out.

The first was Matt’s sermon last November on Safeguarding Sunday where he described safeguarding as the ‘preservation of blessing for the most vulnerable’ and that we need as a community to stand against things that would steal or undermine safety and security for others and for ourselves. I find that definition so helpful.

The second is the story of Ruth where we see both Ruth and Boaz demonstrating the kindness that we would want to be exemplified in our community at St Luke’s.

I love that these 2 facets of safeguarding encompass far more than I ever though this role would be about. They underpin our love and commitment to each other.

So, as we approach Safeguarding Sunday this November, thank you all for the ways in which you look out for each other to protect blessing for everyone. Thank you for the way you have supported me and been willing to do all that’s been required of us. And thank you for the all the conversations and ideas. Matt, Kirsty & I continue to meet regularly to make progress on what’s required of St Luke’s from Diocese, so if there’s anything you’d like us to discuss, please do have a word with any of us.

And finally, please do keep looking out for one another. Jesus said ‘A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’, John 13 v 34