Cornerstone United Methodist Church has adopted Safe Gatherings policies and procedures to help ensure the safety and protection of minors, vulnerable adults, volunteers, members, staff, and others.

Safe Gatherings is a comprehensive system that incorporates an online application, online abuse prevention training, and several levels of background and reference checks before a person can be certified to serve with minors or vulnerable adults at Cornerstone UMC.

Become Safe Gatherings Certified

STEP 1: Review and agree to abide by our Safe Gatherings Policies (PDF) – Updated August 2025

STEP 2: Register online (or login) to your Safe Gatherings account to complete online abuse prevention training, background checks, and reference checks.

STEP 3: Provide a recent headshot photo to the church (if one is not already on file).

Once the above steps are completed, you’ll be notified by email when you are Safe Gatherings certified.

Renew Safe Gatherings Certification

Safe Gatherings/Sanctuary certifications are typically renewed every three years. If your certification expires, you will not be able to serve with minors or vulnerable adults until it is renewed.

You will be notified when it is time to renew your Safe Gatherings certification by email and you will be asked to complete the above steps.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about the Safe Gatherings policies and practices Contact Rev. Jim Peich at 636-379-5334.

Reporting Alleged Abuse or Neglect

If you witness abuse or neglect taking place, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Any person with the responsibility for the care of children is a mandated reporter.

Missouri law states that if such caregiver has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect, or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Division of Family and Social Services (DSS).

The 24 hour toll-free hotline number is 1-800-392-3738.

For more information, definitions and guidance on whether to make a report, please visit the Division of Social Services website.

Any allegations of abuse or neglect occurring during a church-sponsored activity, event or program, must be reported immediately to the ministry leader responsible for the activity, event or program.

Ministry leaders must immediately notify Rev. Jim Peich of any allegations of abuse or neglect.