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Dove's Nest Blog

Responding to Three Common Pushbacks on Child Safety

Posted: April 5, 2017

For many of us, church feels good and safe. We were loved there as children and respected there as adults. In fact, we often describe our churches as “families” or caring communities where all are accepted. We trust one another, and we feel confident that others want the best for us and our families.

But for some of us, church was not only unsafe, it was destructive. Abuse by a church leader or an adult in the church community impacts us forever and can drastically change how a victim/survivor understands God.

New, Free Resources for April Child Abuse Prevention Month

Posted: February 26, 2017

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States. 

Dove's Nest encourages faith communities to take time during April to consider the plight of abused children and find practical methods to end child abuse and neglect in the communities where they live, work, and worship. Dove's Nest has developed the following resources to assist congregations during Child Abuse Prevention Month 2017. 

Children's Dove Award for Orlando 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Nominate a Mennonite Church USA individual or church that did something courageous to keep children safe!

1.  Send the name of the individual and/or church and its address to kathy [at] dovesnest.net with a short paragraph describing what this individual or church has done to keep children safe. Examples: Utilizing Circle of Grace in a new, creative way. Changing facilities to increase safety. Recognizing child abuse prevention in worship or Sunday school in a significant way. Leading the way in protection training in your community.

Children's Books for April Child Abuse Prevention Month 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Contributed by Jennie Wintermote, MLS, Director of the Western District Resource Library

Talking about abuse prevention with young children is essential but often difficult, and even more so during a church worship service! Below are eight books that could serve as a children’s feature (or be adapted for use) at church. Please preview the books to determine what best fits your context and time frame. Not all books will be appropriate for all congregational settings. Be sure to encourage caregivers to continue the conversation with their children after church.

4 Takeaways from The Little Book of Restorative Justice for Sexual Abuse

Posted: December 28, 2016

By Anna Groff

I highly recommend The Little Book of Restorative Justice for Sexual Abuse by Judah Oudshoorn, Michelle Jackett, and Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz. It is a short yet incredibly important book for all pastors and church leaders. It includes helpful definitions, process suggestions, and case studies. Following are four main points I took away after reading this book. Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, one of the authors, is restorative justice coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

Love That Is Whole

Posted: October 13, 2016

By Carol Rose

Many of us know “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” I once thought that meant I needed to love perfectly.

However, “love that is whole” is a better translation of the first-century concept than the words “perfect love.”

This shift frees me to ask: How does it work? How does love that is whole cast out fear?

Here’s a story from my life:

It starts with a marble, and with the church who knew me and knew what I was going through.

We're All the Bosses of Our Own Bodies

Posted: September 23, 2016

By Marathana Prothro

Oh, the awkwardness of unsolicited hugs. Most parents have experienced uncomfortable—even dreaded—moments when our child refuses to hug or kiss someone who truly has the purest of intentions.

I think we too often cave to societal pressures to either avoid embarrassment or protect the feelings of others. Instead, we should empower children to trust and respect their own intuition and set their own boundaries.

Children Are Not Props

Posted: September 23, 2016


By Brenda Yoder, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Speaker's Bureau Member

I came across a beautiful photo on my Instagram feed. It was lovely. Everything was propped and proportioned so meticulously. It had shoes and travel accessories laid out on a surface with a beautiful baby—about one year old, with a flat look on her face—lying on her back in a suitcase. 

The symmetry and colors in the photo were stunning. The caption was great. 

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