Resources on Considerations as we look toward reopening when the time comes

Added 8/12/20

COVID-19 Update from Ruling Elder Lisa Allgood, a professional immunocytochemist, from Boston Presbytery

Added 6/18/2020

A lovely example of a letter to a congregation from Clinton Presbyterian Church.

Re-opening the church information from Wheaton. Lots of resources for churches and individuals here.

An article with 17 considerations for houses of worship considering reopening, and links to lots of information.

Updates 6/10/2020

Checklist for ReEntry Plans

Statement from Stated Clerk of General Assembly J. Herbert Nelson

Beginning a conversation on ReEntry  from the Presbyterian Mission Agency

An Ecumenical Document on Resuming Care Filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic

 

Prior updates

Church Music in the COVID era from the Wisconsin Council of Churches

From the Wisconsin Council of Churches

Perspectives from the Scientific Community prepared by our colleagues in DeCristo Presbytery.

A list of Questions compiled by Rev. Cindy Kohlmann, Presbytery of Boston and Presbytery of Northern New England

Denominational Resources

 Presbyterian Foundation Resources:

Presbyterian Mission Agency Resources:

on responding to revenue shortfalls.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Resources:

Resources from the Office of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Resources related to CARES act and PPP Loans

Information for Churches in Elizabeth Presbytery: Start Here

Information for Religious Organizations from the Small Business Administration is here.

The SBA Loan Application Form (Check with your bank you’ll likely use a version on their online portal)

A link to a Webinar which presents a good overview on  the CARES  act for churches from Horizons Stewardship

A link to a more detailed webinar from Richard Hammar on the CARES Act.

If you’d like to use “Dwelling in the Word” as a way to introduce Luke 10 before a discussion with your session instructions are here. (with thanks to Rev. Jeanne Radak and Church Innovations for introducing this practice to us. If you have questions about this please feel free to ask Jeremy)

Resources from other Presbyteries, Synods, and Churches

Here is a blog from a presbytery leader in New York State:
Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown PA has put together an excellent example of a pandemic action plan which can be found here. Thanks to our colleague Rev. Erin Cox-Holmes EP of Donegal Presbytery for sharing this.
The Synod of the Trinity, our neighboring synod is curating links and helpful information here: Coronavirus Resources

Resources for Taking Church Online

Here is link to a webinar led by Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow (Moderator of the 218th General Assembly) which will help churches think about taking their worship and work online:

Resources for Doing Church Digitally:

A NEXT Church Response to COVID19

 A Resource Guide for Distance Ministry by John Fong

Keeping PCUSA Churches Open For Business

Hardware for streaming from your iPhone

Jim Roselli from Watchung Ave. Presbyterian Church recommends this adapter for improving sound quality.

Information on licensing for streaming and free OneLicense.net accounts through April 15th
Presbyterian Publishing Company (Glory to God and Presbyterian Hymnal)

News and Government Links

CDC Resources

Resources from the CDC for organizations as we face this pandemic can be found here.
CDC recommendations for cleaning and sanitizing can be found here.

NJ Resources

Here is a link to a document from Grow NJ Kids which has information on talking with children about this outbreak from the Association of School Psychologists and the Association of School Nurses:

Hackensack Meridian Health system has banned all visitors at their hospitals including JFK in Edison and Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy, as well as their long term care facilities. More info is here https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/covid19/

Information from PBS

What You Need To Know about COVID-19

Mental Health Resources

NJ Mental Health Cares, the state’s behavioral health information and referral service, will now also offer help to people dealing with anxiety and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. New Jerseyans can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. NJ Mental Health Cares will be answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week by live trained specialists.

NJ Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services provides support to the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHANJ) to operate the line.

Along with providing help for mental health issues related to COVID-19, the NJ Mental Health Cares helpline will also continue to offer general mental health support and referral. It does not provide any medical or financial advice or referrals.

Mental Health Resources for Board of Pensions Members

Talking through concerns and sharing your fears can help you put them in perspective and feel calmer. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)* is available 24/7 to support you, your family members, and anyone who lives in your home.

  • Call Cigna Behavioral Health at 866-640-2772 to speak with an EAP advocate who will listen to your concerns and direct you to helpful resources; or
  • log on to the Cigna website to live chat with an advocate, schedule a consultation with a clinician, and more (one-time registration is required; use pcusa for Employee’s Employer ID).