Latest Updates, Newest Resources -Covid

Links to the latest updates:

• An article about Pastoral health during and following the COVID Crisis (5/22/20)

• Guidelines from the White House for Opening Up America Again (4/28/20)

• The US Government has approved further funding. It is critical, if you did apply for a PPP loan, but it was not completed before funds ran out, you MUST contact your bank to ensure they have the required documentation ready to file.

  There is no queue. We suspect there will be another rush to get funds during this second round. Most lenders will have to manually “reload” the application information into the SBA system.

  Therefore, it is wise for every ministry seeking PPP funds, to contact your lender today to verify they have everything needed to move forward.

  If you have questions or need clarification, please contact Laura Zirbel, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, at lzirbel@flgadistrict.org  (4/24/20)

• Winkler Group has published a new resource entitled “Churches and Faith-Based Fundraising: Recommendations for Recovery and Growth.”  It includes ideas and practices for increasing online giving.  You can read that here.   (4/23/20)

• Foundry Commercial, a ministry partner with the FLGA District, has shared a resource – “Navigating Church Operations & Real Estate During Economic Instability.”  This document is intended to provide some resources, helpful tips, and an overview of topics to consider as churches are faced with property specific issues.  (4/17/20)

• LINC Twin Cities has created an inspirational idea list for creative ways for Christians to help during the Covid-19 quarantine.  Take a look! (4/17/20)

• The current SBA program, the Paycheck Protection Program, is currently out of funds.  The US Government is looking into other funding options.  (4/17/20)

• SBA Faith Based Organizations FAQ for the Paycheck Protection Program  (4/8/20)

• Concordia Plan Services has released another update on Loan Application Guidance.  You can get that update here.  (4/3/20)

•  Generis has put together two resources that help address these issues:  

  •  What’s Next? –  Helping Church Leaders address the COVID-19 Era  – Looking into and planning for the near-term future

  • COVID-19 Giving Action Plan – 8 action steps to proactively address giving during COVID-19  (4/2/20)

• Concordia Plan Services has put together a checklist of what is needed to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.  Remember, applications will be accepted starting on Friday April 3, 2020.  If your ministry is interested in applying, there are steps you can take now to be more prepared.  Read here what information your ministry should be collecting to get ready along with other important information.  (4/2/20) 

•  Concordia Plan Services has created a microsite with insights into the new CARES Act legislation, both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Families First Response Act and how they could impact your ministry.  Additionally, the Special Edition of  CPS Insider provides  up to date links and information regarding the PPP.    Please take some time to read these, so that you are prepared to file for PPP funds on April 3, 2020.  (4/1/20)

•  Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison shared a document regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  highlights the urgency needed to prepare to file on April 3rd. The expectation is the that demand for these loans will be high and that organizations interested in obtaining PPP loans should be prepared to act quickly before the funds allocated to PPP loans under the CARES Act run out. (4/1/20)

• CARES Act Legislation – The District understands that you have many questions about the CARES Act’s provisions related to the SBA loan programs; please be patient.  Answers will be available once SBA and Treasury publish written interpretation of and guidance on the statute. Please forward questions in writing to Mrs. Laura Zirbel at lzirbel@flgadistrict.org. She will respond with the best information possible.  3/31/20

• OutreachDigital Provides a Simple, Free Solution for Livestreaming 3/28/20

• The US Small Business Association has made low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.  A brief outline of the process , approved loan uses and repayments click here.  Currently these loans apply to all the FLGA District schools and early learning centers.   The link is here.  (3/27/20)

• Concordia Plan Services has put together a summary of the current legislation, The CARES Act, which just passed in the Senate yesterday.  The House is scheduled to vote on Friday, March 28th.  Please click this link to find out what the legislation would provide for our churches, schools and employees, if it is passed.    (3/26/20)   

• Lutheran Counseling Services is offering virtual support groups for teachers, pastors, those with anxiety and more.  Sign up here.  (3/26/20)

• Concordia Plan Services has created a COVID-19 microsite specifically to provide resources and answer questions about common challenges that LCMS ministries are facing (3/24/20)

• Barna has released a crisis  toolkit that is free.  You will have to register to have access.  3/20/20

• Lutheran Hour Ministries – Resources to help during Covid-19  3/20/20 

• Recording  of CUWAA Zoom Into Teaching E-learning webinar (3/20/20)

• CTCR and Synod’s  Letter on Communion and Covid-19  (3/20/20)

• Coronavirus Legal Update from the FLGA District Attorney (3/19/20)

• Concordia Plan Services overview  of Families First Coronavirus Response Act Legislation (3/19/20)

• Explaining a Pandemic Simply – animated video (3/19/20)

• Lutheran Federal Credit Union – discounted online giving  (3/18/20)

• Concordia Plan Services – CPS Retirement and Savings Plan Information  (3/18/20)

• CPH is offering limited promotional licenses for Lutheran Service Builder.  See information on Facebook or follow the link  to sign up. (3/17/20)

• LCMS Resources Page  (3/17/20)

• CPH (Concordia Publishing House) has made FREE resources available for streaming, worship, Bible Study, Sunday School and Home Learning.  3/17/20

•   Resources on LuthEd Website for Schools – 3/15/2020

• Practical Tips for Live Facebook Streaming – from the Head of Global Faith Based Partnerships at FB (3/13/20)

• Congregations in FLGA who live stream or record (3/16/2020)

• Latest Update for Private Schools from the FLDOE (3/13/2020)

CDC and World Health Organization Updates

More Resource Links

• WHO Coronavirus Mythbusters Page

• Johns Hopkins University Global Cases Map

• Synod Resource for Congregations

• Google announced free access to advanced Hangouts Meet for G-suite customers: churches, schools