Below you will find some links that might be helpful to you as your congregation takes steps regarding COVID 19. Please use prudence and caution in whatever steps you take. Given the current state of emergency, we are encouraging churches to cancel worship and all events for the next two weeks. Please use your best judgement as to when to restart worship and activities. (We will update this page as we receive resources.)
NOTE: The Presbytery Office will be closed for the next two weeks, and staff will be working from home. Contact numbers for staff and leadership are available in the directory, and we are always available by email as well.
Helpful Links:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Preparedness for Pandemics
A pastoral message regarding the coronavirus from Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, J. Herbert Nelson, II, and President/Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Diane Moffett.
The Synod of the Trinity Response Page
The PC(USA)’s Response Page (includes resources for digital worship)
Advice for churches from the Surgeon General
The Presbyterian Foundation- explore online giving during this time of social distancing
- Webinar given to Pittsburgh Presbytery
- Online Giving through the Presbyterian Foundation
- 10910.PFD Online Giving Sales Sheet – Rebrand.F (002)
- 10928.PFD-OnlineGivingProgramGuide.F
- GivePlus_Mobile
- Online Giving Application 7.19 Form F
- Pew Giving Rack Card
- Note: There is also a Publisher file of the Pew Rack Giving Card. If you need this file, please email Autumn
FreeConferenceCall.com – a completely free service that you can use for conference calls and online meetings for Sessions, staff, etc.
Cokesbury Pre-Filled Communion Cups
Nathan Leslie has asked a very helpful question concerning whether or not online worship services, live streamed or recorded, could include an invitation to share in the Lords Supper using elements that the worshipers might have in their homes, i.e. bread and juice/wine. Citing W-0410 our stated clerk suggests, and I concur, that such a practice is permissible. Matt also suggested that an explanatory note be sent out to your congregation a week or so earlier than communion to explain both the practice and rationale. Thanks to both Nathan and Matt for sharing their insights.
Online Services:
For those who are cancelling services, the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church service will be broadcast on Westminster College’s Titan Radio. You can listen on the radio, online, or via some cable television services. In addition to listening on the radio, folks are welcome to participate in worship with NWPC vida Live stream at https://livestream.com/nwpresby.
You can also watch the services from the Lebanon Presbyterian Church via Rev. Augie Hurst’s YouTube Channel.
Pastor Jordan Rimmer has been posting an “Online Worship Experience”. If you visit Nortminster’s website, www.npcnc.org, simply click the tab that says “Online Worship Experience”. There you will find a Call to Worship, praise song videos and Pastor Jordan’s message. You can even click the YouTube button on the homepage and subscribe to Northminster’s YouTube channel.
North Liberty has posted an online service with our Moderator, Elder Jeff Black.
Resources from other presbyteries:
Other helpful information:
Prior to the Coronavirus outbreak and government mandated shutdowns, the Synod’s Sales Tax Exemption renewal which includes the churches and presbyteries under its umbrella was being processed by the Department of Revenue. They were due to be renewed and mailed out prior to expiration of the current exemption certificates which is March 31st. However, because of the mandated work shutdowns the Department of Revenue offices and call center are both closed. I did hear back from the Department of Revenue that because of the closures, all existing sales tax exemption certificate expiration dates are being extended by four months meaning they will be valid through July 31st, 2020. At this time, I do not have an estimate as to when the new certificates will be sent out but once I find out I will inform everyone. Many Blessings! Frank (Synod Business Adminstrator)
The Presbytery of Shenango 