HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL

updates:

Please contact the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan’s Director of Human Resources with any questions related to HR policies, forms or documents at (313) 833-4414.

• 2026 Holiday Schedule
• 2026 Health Care Premiums and Benefits
• 2026 Benefits Enrollment Form
• 2026 Plan Selections
• 2026 Dental & Group Life Benefit Guide
• 2026 Medical Plan Comparison Charts

• 2025 Health Care Premiums and Benefits
• 2025 Benefits Enrollment Form
• 2025 Dental & Group Life Benefit Guide
• 2025 Medical Plan Comparison Charts
• Employee Assistance Program

2025 Clergy Housing Allowances:

This is a reminder that the vestry/bishop’s committee must approve housing allowances before the end of the calendar year for the tax exemption to be valid for the entire following year. According to IRS guidelines, housing allowances only operate prospectively, never retroactively, and the allowance must be re-approved every year. So, it is important to approve the next year’s clergy housing allowance in December. Clergy housing allowances not approved in December should be approved as soon as possible in January and, even then, the tax exemption becomes valid only from the date of resolution of the governing body forward; no retroactive housing allowances are allowed. If you have any questions about the vestry’s/bishop’s committee’s role in approving this tax exemption or if any clergy have any questions about calculating your housing allowance, please contact Chris Ventura, Chief Financial Officer, at cventura@edomi.org.

Please contact Human Resources if you need further information regarding health insurance updates.

INSURANCE/BENEFITS

Affordable Care Act Update for Clergy, Employees
We have important information on the Affordable Care Act and the opportunity to purchase health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Click here to read the notice.

Also, to inquire about diocesan policies and procedures regarding Insurance and Benefits, please contact Diocesan Administrator, Crystal Ramirez cramirez@edomi.org, or call (313) 833-4422.

Human Resources Forms & Documents

Personnel Forms

• • New Hire Information Form
  • Clergy Exit Checklist
  • Lay Exit Checklist
  • Clergy Pre-Retirement Checklist
  • HR Handbook Acknowledge Form (Lay Handbook/Clergy Compensation)
  • I-9 Form – required by Department of Homeland Security for all employees
  • I-9 Form Instructions

Payroll Forms

2026 Payroll Calendar

Federal W-4– for all employees to initiate federal income tax withholding

State W-4– for all employees to initiate state income tax withholding

Direct deposit

Detroit W-4 – for employees who live or work in the city of Detroit

Lansing W-4 – for employees who live or work in the city of Lansing

East Lansing W-4 – for employees who live or work in the city of East Lansing

Pontiac W-4 – for employees who live or work in the city of Pontiac

Church Pension Group Forms

• CPG Employment Change Form – to inform CPG of salary changes for clergy and lay employees.  Also used for new hires
• CPG Pension Form

Background Checks

A thorough background check, within the bounds of permissible law, is required for all clergy and lay employees, volunteers who have supervisory responsibility, and volunteers who deal with the congregation’s finances. The background check will be conducted prior to ordination, employment or acceptance into the Diocese of Michigan (either by initial licensing or by letters dimissory) or, in the case of volunteers working with children, youth, vulnerable adults, or church finances prior to assignment to such duties.

• To request a background check be performed, complete this PDF fillable form (Background Check Authorization Form) and email to Crystal Ramirez, Director of HR, at cramirez@edomi.org.
• The results will be sent to the requestor when they are available. Keep a record of the background check in the employee/volunteer’s confidential on-site file.

Other

Guidelines & Resources for Sabbatical Planning

Safe Church: Creating a Healthy Environment