Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
This page has been created as a repository for the latest information and updates that are applicable to PSD churches and schools.
The situation around COVID-19 is very fluid - the content and resources in these pages can change rapidly based on new developments. PLEASE MONITOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND NEWS REGULARLY FOR CURRENT UPDATES.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
basic Information and updates
The Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 website publishes information and updates.
CDC Information to Prevent Getting Sick
World Health Organization coronavirus information available here.
State Health Departments
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Reopening churches
Supreme Court Of The United States Lifts California’s Ban On Indoor Worship
State-specific Resources:
50-State Emergency Order Tracker: Roadmap to Restart
50-State Real Estate Tracker; Mortgage, Rent and Utility Relief
ARIZONA
Guidance for Places of Worship
CALIFORNIA
Includes searchable database by county and activity, including Places of Worship
Guidelines for Reopening Places of Worship
NEVADA
Roadmap to Recovery: Guidelines and Protocols for Individuals and Businesses in Phase 2
Updated guidance for places of worship
Other important resources:
Church Law & Tax resources:
How to Safely Reopen Your Church and Reduce Legal Liability
CDC Resources:
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Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (for faith-based organizations)
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Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
Concordia Plans Resources:
Legal and HR Aspects of Reopening:
NOTE: Church insurance carriers recommend that a church has their own written plan on how they will reopen and the steps they will take to ensure health and safety – and then follow it. Failure to follow an articulated plan (serves as an agreement between parties) could leave churches open to lawsuits.
The following are important links you should be checking regularly to keep up with new developments in this program:
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Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Relief Options
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Vanderbloemen, a consulting and search firm serving Christian organizations
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Church Law & Tax expert commentary and resources from Richard Hammar
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Concordia Plans COVID-19 information hub
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Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Coronavirus Resources
PPP and PPP LOan Forgiveness
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
PPP Loan Forgiveness Information
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Paychex: PPP loan forgiveness estimator
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Vanderbloemen: Extensive information, including spreadsheet tool, informational slides, and video.
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3 Steps (and a Calculator) to Help Determine Forgiveness for Your PPP Loan, includes spreadsheet tool
Church Law & Tax resources:
online giving resources
GiveCloud from Lutheran Federal Credit Union - a comprehensive online giving solution
5 of the Best Church Online Giving Platforms
Online giving for congregations from Vanco
Church Giving Tools from Kindrid
Giving by check, cash
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Communicate with your congregation to continue their stewardship as best they can.
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Ask congregants who do not want to use online giving options to drop off offerings at your office or mail them.
lcef, psd & other financial resources
LCEF Resources
If you have a loan with Lutheran Church Extension Fund and have financial concerns at this time please contact Tyler Fewins, LCEF Vice President for the PSD.
PSD Resources
In addition to LCEF resources mentioned above, limited emergency assistance may be available from PSD for congregations and schools experiencing a financial emergency due to the pandemic. Contact Jon Niederbrach for further information.
The Pacific Southwest District is partnering with LCMS Office of National Mission, the Lutheran Church Extension Fund and a multitude of generous donors to support our church workers by providing Soldiers of the Cross (SOC)—Amplified grants to individuals who are experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. For this “amplified” version of the longstanding SOC program, the definition of “church workers” has been expanded to include not only rostered church workers (DCEs, DCOs, educators, pastors, deaconesses, etc.), but also lay workers (teacher assistants, secretaries, maintenance, etc.) who are currently working for an LCMS entity or who recently worked for an LCMS entity and were furloughed due to the pandemic. See more information here on the Soldiers of the Cross program.