Worship
Christian Education and
Safe-Space Policy
Beneficent Church’s Christian Education offerings go beyond traditional Sunday School, providing opportunities to learn and gather for everyone from infants to seniors. Our committed staff of professionals and volunteers have offered:
- Nursery care for all children ages 0 to 4 who aren’t quite ready for a classroom.
- Hands-on instruction for children ages 5-10 who are just beginning to explore faith and Christianity – those who are just getting to know and understand God.
- A fulfilling classroom experience for middle-schoolers who meet weekly with our faith-formation team.
- Online small-group instruction for high-school students who are beginning to transition to adulthood and a more in-depth understanding of how to live a faith-based life.
- Interactive gatherings for college age-students who are deciding for themselves what they believe and how that belief will shape their futures.
- Regular Bible and book studies for adults of all ages. These classes, which are open to all members and friends of the church, are wide-ranging. Groups meet to explore scripture and its relevance to our lives today; to look at the history of people of color in our community; or to discuss a contemporary novel or nonfiction piece which tackles a relevant social-justice issue.
Safety at Beneficent Church
Our Beneficent community takes seriously the need to keep all of us safe when we gather for worship, work, or play on church property. Situated in downtown Providence, we have added security measures designed to help us all feel safe every time we visit.
We take special care to protect the children and youth who are part of our Beneficent community. Part of that effort involves performing background checks on all of our staff and Sunday School volunteers, as well as ensuring that all those who teach Sunday School have received CPR/First Aid training and know how to use our onsite AED (automatic external defibrillator).
In addition, all gatherings involving minors (nursery through high school) are held in accordance with Beneficent Church’s Safe-Space Policies. An abbreviated version of that policy is provided below:
1) Key fob holders with building access must:
a) Be at least 18 years of age.
b) Receive and read our Safe Space policies.
c) Complete and sign the appropriate Statement of Compliance.
d) Complete and sign a Security Information form.
2) Beneficent Church requires strict adherence to occupancy limits as determined by the Providence Fire Department:
a) Meeting House: 500 (balcony is off limits)
b) Parish Room: 50
c) Social Room: 50
d) Round Top Center: 160
e) Round Top Kitchen: 15
f) Music Room: 40
3) Beneficent Church requires strict adherence to our door policies.
a) Do not open the door for people who are not part of your
program.
b) Do not prop open exterior doors or leave any doors unlocked.
c) Do not block the doors; it’s a fire hazard.
d) Doors should be open when a room contains at least one child.
4) Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are not permitted on Beneficent Church grounds. This includes being under the influence of either.
5) Firearms are not permitted on Beneficent Church grounds, with the exception of on-duty law enforcement officers.
6) Open fires, including smoking and lit candles (except when used for worship) are not permitted inside Beneficent Church.
7) Gambling is not permitted on Beneficent Church property.
8) Programs and events involving children on Beneficent Church property must adhere to strict guidelines.
a) Persons working with children must be at least 21 years of age or five years older than their students.
b) All persons must have a current background check.
c) Doors should be open when a room contains at least one child.
d) No adult is to be alone with a child, and no child should be left in a room without proper adult supervision. We adhere to the Rhode Island Child Care Program regulations:
Adult/Child Ratio (by age)
6 weeks to 18 months ………………………1 adult to 4 children
18 months to 3 years ………………………..1 adult to 6 children
3 years …………………………………………………1 adult to 9 children
4 years …………………………………………………1 adult to 10 children
5 years or older ………………………………….1 adult to 12 children
9) Staff, church members, volunteers, and facility users of Beneficent Church are mandatory reporters. If any adult becomes aware of abuse or neglect of a child or youth, or of an elderly, handicapped, or otherwise vulnerable person, he or she is required by law to report it immediately to legal authorities. Also, if an injury, accident, or mishap occurs at any property and/or facility of Beneficent Church, an Incident Report should be filed immediately with a Safe-Space Advocate (usually the Senior Minister and Director of Christian Education).
10) Before leaving, please clean your area, turn off all lights, and make sure that everyone has exited the building before turning on the alarm.
For a copy of the full Safe-Space Policies, please contact the Beneficent Church office at office@beneficentchurch.org.
What I have come to love even more as I have gotten more involved is that, while Beneficent is far from perfect, it is a place of ACTIVE Faith engagement Faith in action and singing with the choir are what I love about being a part of Beneficent.
Valerie Tutson
I remember the first day I attended Beneficent Church. I was slightly nervous about meeting new people and questioned if I would be truly welcomed. This was the first time all the shame withered away because I was valued and accepted by everyone I encountered.
Jasmin Osorio
It wasn’t long after we started attending services that we heard the calling to help with the music ministry, which is as diverse as the membership. Over the years, the music ministry has used hymnals, spirituals, chorales, gospels, contemporary and traditional music to uplift the congregation to higher heights of praises. We have come to rely on our fellow choir members for weekly spiritual strength and always look forward to sharing our gifts with our church family with our songs. I believe we make a joyful noise for our Lord!
Michael and Bill, and Lucy, too