Safe Sanctuary
We as a church have a responsibility to do all we can to assure parents that Gethsemane United Methodist Church is a safe place. In addition, we also have a responsibility to teach each adult volunteer how to create and maintain that safe environment. Therefore, everyone who serves in the ministries with children, youth, or vulnerable adults is trained in Safe Sanctuary operating procedures and have their backgrounds checked.Gethsemane United Methodist Church vows in our Safety and Abuse Prevention Policy to take seriously the importance of providing a safe environment where children, youth and vulnerable adults can participate freely and safely in the life of the church. Any group using Gethsemane’s facility must complete a building use form and agree to abide by our Safe Sanctuary Policy. For additional questions about Gethsemane’s Safe Sanctuary program, please contact Mrs. Denise Samuels at sprc@gethsemaneumc.org.
Volunteers
Before you can serve our children or youth, you are expected to fully read and understand the Safety and Abuse Prevention Policy and Operational Procedures, and complete all of the following documents:
- Volunteer Application Packet
- Volunteer Participation Covenant Statement
- Background Check Authorization Form *
- Submit three references
- Attend a Safe Sanctuaries training event
- Successfully pass Safe Sanctuary 101 and Safe Sanctuary 102
Renewing Volunteers
To maintain Safe Sanctuaries certification, volunteers are required to renew their background check every 3-5 years. For renewal, you must update and/or complete the following:
- Volunteer Participation Covenant Statement
- Background Check Authorization Form
*Each background check costs $14 .
Safe Sanctuary Forms and Documents
- Accident Report Form
- Background Check Authorization Form
- Definitions and Signs of Abuse
- Permission Form
- Safe Sanctuary Basic Procedures and Guidelines
- Volunteer Application Packet
- Volunteer Participation Covenant Statement
- Youth Health Covenant