April 8, 2020 Coronavirus Briefing from the PC(USA)

Coronavirus News

Matthew 25 grants will support vulnerable congregations facing COVID-19
Presbyterian Mission Agency president sets aside funds to be administered by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Small church with great faith helps the Big Apple
Manokin Presbyterian Church in Maryland’s Eastern Shore goes the distance during pandemic

Hunger Action Advocate helps congregations see ‘the big picture’
Laura VanDale moves Ohio churches to use their collective voices

New hymn speaks to missing out on a traditional Easter celebration
Published a week ago, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s ‘This Easter Celebration’ has been translated into five languages, shared 13,000 times

Co-Moderators find new ways to connect with Presbyterians
Hymns and stories draw viewers across the denomination and beyond

Emergency student loan management enacted during COVID-19 crisis
PC(USA)’s Financial Aid for Service: Payments on eligible federal student loans are suspended through Sept. 30

‘We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed’
Vital Congregations webinar on intentional, authentic evangelism focuses on being real even when in-person gatherings aren’t possible

‘People delight in the feeling of making a difference’
1001 New Worshiping Communities webinar explores ways to continue fundraising, even during a pandemic

One Great Hour of Sharing ministries provide support during the pandemic
Three PC(USA) ministries receive OGHS financing, made even more crucial by COVID-19

Young Adult Volunteers rising to lead in a time of crisis
YAVs prove able to shift, adapt and learn on the fly

Presbyterian hunger ministries persevere despite pandemic
‘People are desperate to help’

Board of Pensions offers dues relief and deferments to churches and employers
Church applications, requests by other PC(USA) employers will be decided on a case-by-case basis

Church leaders consider holding a full virtual General Assembly
Committee on the Office of the General Assembly looks at options for 224th gathering

Pastoring in a pandemic: ways to care for your church and yourself
Oregon clergy couple shares with the Presbyterian Foundation some lessons learned

PC(USA) Washington Office calls for domestic, international COVID-19 advocacy
Capitol Hill ministry calling on Congress to protect U.S. workers, lift sanctions in Latin America

New COVID-19 QuickSheets available from youth workers, Christian formation ministries
‘This shouldn’t be a time for young people to become inwardly focused and detached’

Presbyterians reach out, find ways to minister to older adults
The COVID-19 pandemic spurs pastors, church educators into innovative ministry

Hosannas and honks
During drive-in worship, two churches proclaim Palm Sunday is ‘a day to dance’

Congregations self-rate ‘fairly well’ after the first few weeks of the pandemic
Initial results from Research Services survey highlight areas of great support and areas of great need

Stated Clerk sends message to mid council leaders

News

Stated Clerk Nominating Committee recommends J. Herbert Nelson, II, to seek a second term
Committee confident of ‘prophetic vision’ for the PC(USA)

Vital Congregations, 1001 New Worshiping Communities to hold Holy Week Zoom calls
On Wednesday, VC will discuss ‘Spirit-inspired worship’; 1001 to gather for Maundy Thursday prayer and meditation

Learn how your church can thrive with a part-time ministry model
Jeffrey MacDonald’s book offers new opportunities for churches facing financial decline

Nancy J. Taylor named executive director at the Presbyterian Historical Society
The Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) has a new executive director: Nancy J. Taylor.

Elona Street-Stewart and Gregory Bentley to run as Co-Moderators of the 224th General Assembly (2020)
The two become second group to seek the Co-Moderators’ model