News

From the ELCA Public Health page, Families First Coronavirus Response Act from the UCC is available (download PDF), updated March 23, 2020.

Shared with permission from the United Church of Christ, this update helps explain The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed into law on March 18, 2020. It expands the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including which employers are covered under the Act, which may bring smaller religious organizations under the new provisions.

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From the ELCA Public Health page, Summary of CARES Act provisions is available (download PDF) , updated March 30, 2020.

This document briefly summarizes provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“the CARES Act”) that could possibly be of interest to church plans, ministries and plan members.

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ELCA.org/worship has resources for use in the home during this time of world-wide crisis:

• Worship in the Home is available for each Sunday at blogs.ELCA.org/Worship.

• Sign up for a Daily Bible Reading to be delivered to your email inbox.

• Find a full list of readings for Sundays, festivals, and daily use is available from ELCA.org/Lectionary.

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On the ELCA Worship blog, find Holy Week resources for:

• Worship in the Home: Sunday, April 5, 2020 – Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday

• Worship in the Home: Maundy Thursday

• Worship in the Home: Good Friday

• Worship in the Home: Vigil of Easter

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From the ELCA Public Health page, Update and Resources on COVID-19-related Benefits for ELCA Congregations, Synods, Other Ministries and their Employees is available (download PDF) , updated March 30, 2020.

Congress has passed three acts recently in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This summary focuses on the provisions of these acts that most directly affect churches and their employees and provides relevant resources.

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Many members may be concerned about how to support the work of their congregations, synods and churchwide ministries if they are ill or choosing to stay home to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the virus.

A majority of ELCA congregations currently offer online giving as an option for both one-time and recurring gifts; and all still accept checks. For congregations looking for online giving, the ELCA has negotiated with preferred vendors who can quickly respond with options.

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From the ELCA Public Health page, Guidance for funeral practices during a health crisis (download PDF) is available, updated March 18, 2020.

How does the Christian community respond to these needs when public gatherings for worship are limited or suspended because of a health crisis such as COVID-19? How do we provide pastoral care to the grieving while also acting out of love for those most at risk in our communities by practicing social distancing?

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From the ELCA Public Health page, Congregational Planning Checklist for Public Health Concerns is available in English and Spanish, updated March 11, 2020.

With the outbreaks of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. A step-by-step approach to prepare for a serious outbreak can be useful.

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From the ELCA Public Health page, How to stream your worship service — A starter guide is available in English and Spanish, updated March 13, 2020.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stream your congregation’s worship or events online, this guide is for you. It’s not comprehensive, and the information contained here may change at any time because the software and hardware are always evolving. But the guide explains how to begin streaming for very little money and with equipment you already own or might borrow.

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