As expressed in the March 18, 2020 pastoral letter from PC(USA) Stated Clerk The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency
The Rev. Dr. Dianne Moffett:
“Over 100 times the Bible tells us, “Don’t be afraid.” In Psalm 27:1, David tells us why:
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” View the full pastoral letter here.
Grant/Financial Relief Opportunities
- COVID-19 Legislation Guide for PCUSA Churches and Ministries – 4.2020
- PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY GRANTS – Matthew 25 grants to support vulnerable congregations facing COVID-19 in coordination with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Emergency Grants – 4.3.2020
- BOARD OF PENSIONS DUES RELIEF for small congregations and dues deferral for large congregations
- CARES ACT
- DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION grants
- COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE EASTERN SHORE grants
Resources on Technology
- ZOOM SECURITY: A simple guide to keeping your videos safe and secure – 4.3.2020
- PMA NEWS: BEST PRACTICES FOR ONLINE SERVICES with Marthame Sanders – 3.19.2020
- RESOURCES from Former General Assembly Moderator Bruce Reyes Chow
- PMA online worship article “Zooming to the Rescue in the face of COVID-19”
- YouTube “Zoom Worship Laboratory”, with new discussions every Monday
- OPEN BROADCASTER free resource for live streaming
- YOUTUBE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO – How to use Zoom
- HOW TO MAKE SHORT VIDEOS FROM YOUR CELL PHONE: Short tutorial from local pastor, Scott Matthews
- PRACTICAL RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES: Live streaming and online worship and meeting assistance
- PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION:
Resources of the Heart – Well-Being Resources
- ELDER ABUSE: Calling on Faith Communities to Connect with and support Older Survivors of Abuse during COVID-19 – 4.23.2020
- PC(USA)
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Congregations and members (including livestream and online worship resources/ celebrations, stewardship resources, community resources, and more!)
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Building Resilience webinar for Faith Leaders – 4.15.2020
- PC(USA) Advisory Opinion: Church in an Emergency/Pandemic – 3.17.2020
- PCUSA Advisory Opinion – Serving Communion during an Emergency or Pandemic – 3.25.2020
- PC(USA): A Pastoral Statement on the Coronavirus/COVID-19
- The PC(USA) Store: COVID-19 Resources and Information
- LEGISLATION:
- CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020) – Full text
- Free Webinar, April 2, 2020, 11:00 a.m. CT, “Churches and the CARES Act: Helping Congregations and Employees Weather the Cash Crunch. Info and registration
- Latest updates on the CARES Act from Tricia Dykers Koenig, PC(USA) Associate Director for Mid Council Relations
- CARES Act, summary of provisions prepared by Jean Hemphill of the Church Alliance at the request of the PC(USA). – March 31, 2020
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act — summary of new provisions related to temporary leave prepared by Mike Kirk, PC(USA) General Counsel. – March 31, 2020
- Presbyterian Foundation
- Presbyterian Foundation: Information and Resources on COVID-19 – 4.13.2020
- Presbyterian Foundation: Practicing Pastoral Care while Physically Distant
- Board of Pensions
- Timely Board of Pensions Resources/Responses to Coronovirus
- New Castle Presbytery
- NCP CHURCHES SUNDAY WORSHIPING ONLINE (including links to recorded services – updated 5.28.2020)
- Pastoral Letter for Prayer (from Rev. Terry Dougherty, Ocean View PC, Ocean View, DE)
- Illustrated Ministry Free Resources
- “Flatten the Curve” – Free weekly faith formation resources for all ages
- Prayers for when you feel anxious coloring pages