1. Georgia-Cumberland Conference Ministers’ Meeting January 12, 2015

2. Topics  Volunteer Screening  Locally-Funded Employment  Professional Enrichment Funds  Vacation  Employee Working Policy  Known Offenders/Abuse Reporting  Retirement

3. Volunteer Screening  Shield the Vulnerable – www.shieldthevulnerable.org  Screening & Training Components  Local Board to take voted action & appoint committee and local administrator – crucial to the success  Employees required to participate – log in (drawing in January for free gift card)  Implementation & Cost – free! (paid by GCC)

4.  No child left unsupervised at any time  Two adults at all times  Never one child and one adult alone  Member for 6 months before serving in ministry Child Safety Awareness

5. Locally-Funded Employment  Treasurer – main contact – features available to streamline the process  Pertinent information on www.gccsda.com  Cost Analysis Tool and Employment Requirements  Local Board needs full disclosure before voting  Significant thanks to Sheyla & Jen

6. Professional Enrichment Funds  Email will be sent this week with your 2015 balance  Obtain prior approval for items not listed in policy (email Linda Leonard or Victor Maddox)  Send original receipts to Ministerial (attn: Linda Leonard)  Overseas travel (non-vacation) must be pre-approved by Adcom  See policy for more info

7. Vacation Time  Easy, on-line reporting throughout the year  www.gccsda.org Click on Forms, Pastors, HR, Vacation  Dates/Pulpit Coverage/Emergency Phone #  Balances appear on payroll stub  If you have Sabbath duties, take one day off during the following week (does not accrue)  Georgie Smith (HR secretary) or Sheyla LaPierre (HR assistant director) can assist with inquiries

8. Harassment Policy #2230  The GCC values the dignity of all human beings as children of God and recognizes its responsibility to all employees to maintain a working environment free from harassment. It endeavors to achieve this environment through educating employees that harassment violates the law and will not be tolerated by the Conference. The GCC also endeavors to prevent harassment by publishing this policy, by developing appropriate sanctions for misconduct, and by informing all employees of their right to complain of harassment.  Employees should respect and uplift one another. They should never be placed in a position of embarrassment, disrespect, or harassment because of their gender, race, color, national origin, age, or disability. To do so would be a violation of God’s law and the civil laws protecting human rights and governing workplace conduct.  Reporting Incidents. Employees who believe that they have been harassed should immediately take the following steps: Make it clear that such behavior is offensive and should be stopped immediately; and Report the incident to their immediate departmental director, the Vice President for Administration/ Secretariat, or the Director of Human Resource Services. A written statement describing the incident and identifying potential witnesses should follow the initial report.  Third-Party Reports. Employees who are aware of incidents of potential workplace harassment toward others are to report such incidents to their immediate departmental director, the Vice President for Administration/Secretariat, or the Director of Human Resource Services.

9. Employee Working Policy  Policy changes are sent via email following Executive Committee vote (see email attachment for redline changes)  www.gccsda.com Departments > HR > Employee Resources > Pastor (log-in required) > Employee Working Policy

10. Offenders/Reporting  Known Offenders in Congregation: Guidelines available – adapt in coordination with your church board  Tennessee – possible revisions to Offender Guidelines if school/child care facility is on premises of the church  Child Abuse Reporting: Georgia See state requirements – those working with children are mandated reporters. North Carolina Everyone is a mandated reporter. Tennessee Everyone is a mandated reporter.

11. Retirement – Great West  Quiet Period transition from VALIC to Great West ends on 1/12/15  Great West - 800-701-8255 or gwrs.com  Pre-2000 Retirement Estimates – HR Office  Medicare & Social Security – www.ssa.gov

12. From the Word Salvation comes only through Him. There is no one else in the whole world who can save us. Acts 4:12 The Clear Word