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
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
From the Desk of the Associate Director for Mid Council Relations, OGA
https://mailchi.mp/pcusa/being-church-when-you-cant-be-together-in-person-and-more?e=f44ad140d1
many additional links including some resources on the STIMULUS BILL AND CHURCHES are here.
Resources for Virtual Memorial Services
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
Resources for Taking Church 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
NJ Resources
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).