The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the required Notice of Employee Rights under the FFCRA. Employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to distribute this notice to all current employees as of April 1, 2020. Employers may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees, or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website. Download the notice here.
Read MoreOn Saturday, March 28, 2020 the Grand Canyon Synod Council met, via Zoom, to discuss postponement of our Synod Assembly. Because the GCS Constitution stipulates an annual assembly, the event could not be cancelled. The Council voted unanimously to postpone the Synod Assembly to September 17-18, 2020.
Read MoreMany 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.
Read MoreFrom the ELCA Public Health page, Intercessory Prayers in the midst of the spread of COVID-19 from the Lutheran World Federation are available in English and Spanish.
Read MoreThe churchwide office is launching a comprehensive Covid-19 response across the ELCA beginning today. We have three new approaches designed to provide several levels of support for our most vulnerable congregations and ministries. These three approaches are Daily Bread Grants, Here to Serve, and the Covid-19 Response Appeal.
Read MoreFrom 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?
Read MoreRead the minutes from the synod council meeting on March 28, 2020, in PDF format.
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read MoreDear church, how quickly our world has changed.
Two weeks ago, I sent a letter urging our congregations to suspend in-person worship until early April. And now, I write to urge you to suspend in-person worship until early May, possibly longer.
As we near the end of Lent, what about Holy Week and Easter?
Read MoreAlthough some relief efforts have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, Lutheran Disaster Response continues to be present with the Southeastern Synod to address the long-term recovery needs of survivors.
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read MoreWe lift up Deaconess Judi Tyler and her family upon the sudden passing of her mother, Ann. Judi is a Deaconess at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, and has gone to Tucson to care for her father. Ann was his primary caretaker. Many blessings to the family and rest eternal for Ann with Our Loving God!
Read MoreELCA Coaching Ministry is hosting a free virtual meeting: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19. Recordings of presentations and follow-up documents can be found at elcacoaching.org.
Sharing Our Grief and Our Hope with Those We Serve
Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 1:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/180439412, Meeting ID: 180 439 412
The Census Bureau continues to carefully monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The key message right now is: It has never been easier to respond to the census on your own—whether online at 2020census.gov, over the phone, or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.
Promotion of census participation is important, particularly to support challenges like the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Read MoreBuilding on their experience combating the spread of Ebola in places where they are one of the only relief organizations left on the ground, Lutheran World Relief is applying lessons learned and utilizing proven systems already in place.
As governments restrict travel to and from affected countries, LWR staff is in place continuing their lifesaving work to slow the spread of the coronavirus, working with Christian health association partners across the African continent.
Read MoreRemember in prayer congregations and communities that are preparing for spring and summer storms and living with the uncertainty of what this year will bring. Pray that God will protect them, equip them to respond and calm their anxiety.
Read MoreOn March 29, Lutherans commemorate Hans Nielsen Hauge, a lay Lutheran who in early 19th century Norway was imprisoned for years for illegally leading worship in people’s homes. Yet here we are, two hundred years later, encouraging all members of God’s family to join together through home worship!
In this time of world-wide crisis, congregations throughout this church are not able to gather for worship as the body of Christ. While we cannot be together in person, we can hear the word of God and hold each other in prayer. We offer this brief resource as an aid for prayer in the home every Sunday: blogs.elca.org/worship
Read MoreLifelong Christian Formation at Virginia Seminary offers a video and resources on Triduum Under Quarantine: Planning Holy Week Services That Honor Social Distancing.
The Rev. James Farwell, Ph.D., and Lisa Kimball, Ph.D., help imagine (and plan for) Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the Great Vigil of Easter when congregations cannot assemble in person. Find all the resources, documents and notes at bit.ly/HolyWeekResources.
Read MoreWe pray for the family of Pastor Ben Bergren of Community Lutheran, Las Vegas, as they grieve the death of Ben's mother, and live separated across state lines during this time of physical distancing. His wife, Rachel Rochford Bergren, remains in California.
Read MoreFor local information and for recommendations on community actions designed to limit exposure to COVID-19, check with your state and local public health authorities, following the link to find your state, county, city, and tribal health organizations.
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