This post is shared as a COVID-19 resource on our resource page at www.abc-usa.org/coronavirus. Visit this page to find helpful resources and information, and see regular updates from American Baptist regions and national partners.
April 3, 2020
As we enter into Holy Week, our familiar practices of gathering together are different this year. We will miss the physical communal practices of gathering in a building, looking around and seeing palms waving or more than usual numbers lifting up first “Hosannas!” and then later “Alleuias!” We may be still adjusting to what worship is like when on a streaming platform or conference call. Nevertheless, we are still the church!
In this time, take the time at home to spend more time reading the Gospels, particularly the events of Holy Week as told by the four Evangelists. Reach out by phone, webcam or email to fellow congregants to spend time together in a virtual fellowship. Let this Holy Week and Easter, as different as they will feel, be a time where we reverently look to the Story that shapes our lives, even as we muddle through disruptions and find ourselves distracted. May we follow Christ faithfully in the week ahead!
Rev. Jerrod Hugenot, Associate Executive Minister
CARES Act Update: It’s Hammar Time!
The recent CARES Act legislation will provide a boost to the economy, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP uniquely does allow non-profits and churches to apply through a bank that processes loans with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Given the newness of the legislation and the scramble to figure out all the moving parts, we recommend you watch this webinar with Richard Hammar, longtime expert on church law and tax matters, especially if you wish to apply for this program: Link: https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/april/churches-and-cares-act-helping-congregations-and-employees-.html
NOTE: The application form for this program will be available through the loan office of your bank. Take careful note of the documentation that will need to be gathered as part of your application. Link:
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-3-30-2020-v3.pdf
Resources
NEW! NYS Office of Mental Health is providing an Emotional Support Hotline (1-844-863-9314) to support persons in need. https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html
Please share in your church’s announcements!
Centers for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
NYS Department of Health:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
NYS DoH Cleaning Houses of Worship
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/docs/cleaning_guidance_houses_of_worship.pdf
Information may have changed, so keep “refreshing” the page from day to day.