Recorder news from the Southeastern California Conference is chosen by the conference communication department staff. Once a story is selected, facts must be gathered and verified, good photos found or taken, and the material must be edited for clarity and space available. The stories Recorder looks for include:

• Stories with ideas to encourage church growth that other churches can try.

What is your church doing to gain soul-winning momentum? People’s conversion stories that will cause readers to say, “I could do that!” Instead of a photo of a person or group that was baptized, described in a cryptic caption, write a story that focuses on relationships. Why was someone attracted to this church? Who encouraged them to become a member and how did they do it? A photo of the individual or family the story is about interacting with the person who brought them to Christ would be appropriate.

• Stewardship stories that illustrate the blessings that flow from trusting one’s entire life to God.

These stories might deal with Sabbath-keeping, health, relationships, tithing, freedom from addiction or many other topics.

• Stories that show the value of Christian education at all levels.
  
  Steps toward publication
  1. Contact the communication department. Send news stories or ideas for stories that share how God is moving the ministry and activities of the people, churches, and schools in Southeastern California Conference to the communication department. You may contact us by e-mail at communications@seccsda.org or call our office at 951-509-2258. If you leave a message, tell us your name and the best way to contact you during business hours (Monday-Thursday).
  2. Supply key information. Who is involved? When did the event occur? What happened? Why is it interesting, important, or valuable to share with others? Is this event or ministry or activity notable for its size--large or small? Of course, be sure your facts and dates are accurate and that names and places are spelled correctly.
  3. Include good photos. Good photos will enhance a good story and may actually make a weak story usable. On the other hand, poor photos may reduce the value of a good story or cause it to be set aside completely. (Review our "Tips for Photographers.")
  4. Provide follow-up opportunities. Be prepared with the name and contact information for others involved in the ministry or activity.
  5. Send news, not promotion. News usually reports what has already happened--but very recently. News is not advertising, promotion, or a prediction that something good will happen. Advertising may take the form of announcements sent to SECC approximately 10 weeks before the event, if the event is free. Advertising may also be accomplished by purchasing a classified ad or a display ad in the Recorder.
  6. Be brief but complete. Most published stories are 500 words or less but must not leave out key information. If you are not an experienced writer, the communication staff will assist you in writing and condensing the material. 

• Give the most important information first. Answer the questions, Who? What? When?
Where? Why? and How? within the first two paragraphs. In the body of the story expand
on the first two paragraphs.

• Make it interesting to the whole union, not just your local area. Ask yourself, “What
would someone who was not here want to know about this?”

• Stick with the facts. Do not sermonize, editorialize or use your story to thank people.

• Use action words. Write in active voice rather than passive voice. Example: rather than
writing “the church was painted by the members,” write “the members painted the
church.”

• Adjectives and adverbs should be used sparingly.

• Identify every person by first and last name in the first mention. Last names are used in
further mentions (unless two names with the same family name are used). Mrs., Dr. and
Pastor are NOT first names!

• In all Recorder stories, social and professional titles are not used (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Prof.,
Eld., etc.). Identify the role or title of each person you’ve identified to show their
connection to the story. The name comes first, then the institution/organization they’re
connected with, followed by their title within that organization. Examples: “Simon
Liversidge, senior pastor at The Place, led a group…”; “Ted Wilson, General Conference
president, participated in the jog-a-thon…”

• Be brief. Limit news stories to 400 words or less. To save space, dates and states are
abbreviated following the Associated Press Stylebook style—not the two-letter postal
abbreviations.

• Identify the story’s author. Place contact information at the end of each story. Provide the
author’s name as it should appear in print, the e-mail/mailing address and a daytime
phone number the editor can call when clarification is needed.

Protect yourself and your family with additional coverage options through Aflac. These payroll-deductible benefits can help provide financial support during unexpected health events. 

Employee Benefits Resource Center

Frequently Used Forms:   

Basic-Supp Life and LTD Enrollment Form
   PAI Enrollment for All (AD&D)
   Retiree Supplemental Life Enrollment Form Continuation of Employee Benefits

   Basic Life Insurance Plan Document

          Supplemental Life Insurance Plan Document

       Enrollment at a Glance Brochure:
         Enrollment at a Glance - A Guide to Your Plan Basics 
         Group Term Life

      Evidence of Insurance Instructions
         EOI Instructions
         Evidence of Insurability - SECC
   
      Long Term Disability Insurance
         Plan Document
         Long Term Disability
  
      Travel Assistance
         Security When You Travel

Empathy

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The steps below will guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you or another employee is injured on the job, it's important to report it promptly and follow these steps to ensure proper care and documentation. 

What to Do If You're Injured at Work: Step-by-Step Guide 

Your health matters—to you and to us! 
The Fitness for Life program is a voluntary wellness benefit that rewards you for staying active. Track your workouts, submit your fitness logs, and earn financial incentives for prioritizing your well-being. 

Our medical insurance providers also have wellness programs (not connected to Fitness for Life) you can access at the following links:

Kaiser 
Fitness & Exercise | Kaiser Permanente 

Ascend to Wholeness 
Wellness Portal Login