Responding to COVID-19
In-person worship services have been closed in Los Angeles County as of July 13, 2020. For more information about the current restrictions related to county closures visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap-counties/.
We are met with a unique challenge to care for our communities while maintaining distance to protect those who are vulnerable to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The congregations of our Presbytery are rising to the challenge and working to continue in their mission as faithful followers of Jesus. Below are resources we have gathered for our congregations. We advise you to visit the Los Angeles Public Health Department website or the CDC website for updates about the virus and current recommendations. In particular we recommend the following links on the CDC’s website, which you can download by clicking on the link below:
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Resources from PC(USA) National Church
Returning to Public Worship: Theological and Practical Considerations
ZOOM Council Meetings for Leaders – Synod of Mid America
ZOOM Council Meetings for Commissioners – Synod of Mid America
Tips for the Casual Zoom User – Synod of Mid America
Announcement for Virtual General Assembly
Board of Pensions offers dues relief and deferments to churches and employers
Advisory Opinion Communion in an Emergency/Pandemic
Advisory Opinion for Churches in Emergencies or Pandemics in Taiwanese
PDA’s Role in supporting the church
Presbytery of San Gabriel Resources
July 7, 2020 – New Meeting Guidelines
Wisconsin Council of Churches Planning for Returning to Worship
Caring for Undocumented Members
Concerning Return to In-Person Worship
Guidelines for Reopening (Developing)
Coronavirus Survival Guide for Pastors
State of California Checklist for Workspaces (Church offices included)
State of California Guidance for Workspaces
Presbytery of San Gabriel Digital Worship Directory
Weekly Zoom Chat for Church Leaders and Clergy of the Presbytery of San Gabriel
- Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/906806900
- Meeting ID: 906 806 900
- One tap mobile: +16699009128,,906806900#
- Landline: +1 669 900 9128
Worship Resources
COVID-19 and Worship: Resources for Churches Adapting to Social Isolation Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Comfort Food: A Feast of Love – for use in this time of sheltering in place as people are not able to gather in community for Holy Communion – Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studio
Illustrated Ministry is offering free weekly resources during the pandemic.
24-Hour Prayer Vigil
Participants sign up for 30-minute prayer watches. The person completing their shift tags the next person with a text or e-mail: “God bless you as you keep watch in prayer now!” Distribute a booklet with the schedule, suggested prayers, liturgy, activities like coloring mandalas or writing notes of blessing, music links.
Stewardship and Online Giving
If you would like for your community to use the Presbytery’s online giving platform direct them to https://sangabpres.org/donate/. And tell them this: If you want to give to one of the churches in our Presbytery, fill out the form below selecting the fund “an Individual Church” and in the comments section indicate the name of the church. We will transfer the funds to that church from you.
Leadership Resources
Ten Tech Tips for Meeting Online from Next Church
Other Meeting Services (just a few):
Leading Beyond the Blizzard: Why Every Organization Is Now a Startup by Andy Crouch, Kurt Keilhacker, and Dave Blanchard
Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger
Pastoral Care
Board of Pensions: EAP
Healthcare does not stop with physical health. These are trying times emotionally and psychologically. Isolation in some cases and overwhelming closeness in others can strain us to a breaking point. The Board offers support through our Employee Assistance Program, which can be reached by calling 866-640-2772 or logging in to the Cigna website. (One-time registration is required; use pcusa for Employee’s Employer ID.) This service is available to anyone in a member’s household.
Resources for Trauma, Mental Health and Domestic Violence
Illustrated Children’s Ministry: When You Feel Anxious Coloring Pages
How You Can Help
San Marino Community Church is hosting a blood drive on June 16 & 17 (Download flyer)
Ministry opportunities for Christians of various ages:
- Food and errands for seniors and others at elevated risk
- Drop-off or drive-through pickup food distribution (PUSD is in need of volunteers contact Ally Lee for information.)
- Ask their schools how to assist stranded college students
- Comfort and understanding for persons experiencing grief over the loss of their dreams (e.g. senior sports season)
- Thank-you cards and drawings to hospital chaplains to share with hospital and nursing home staff.
- Gift cards for groceries for asylum seekers (Contact Kristi Van Nostran)
- Cards to retirees in nursing homes (Contact Diane Frasher or Lauren Evans)
Union Station Homeless Services, Pasadena
Los Angeles Food Bank Pantry Locator
La Casa de San Gabriel Food Pantry Needs
PDA’s Role in Supporting the Church
Guidance for COVID-19 PDA Grants
Financial/Employment Issues
Checklist of Financial Options 4-7-2020
Federal Benefits for Coronavirus employers—churches
Small Business Administration
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Ballard Spahr (outside law firm for the BOP and the A Corporation on benefits issues)
CARES Act Loans Come with Labor and Employment Strings Attached CARES Act Provides Enhanced Unemployment Compensation Benefits
The US Chamber of Commerce
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has spread from the first cases identified in China to many other countries including the United States. The number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County continues to rise, including many cases due to community transmission of COVID-19. With the rise in cases has come a rise in serious illness among county residents and of deaths due to COVID-19.
The following guidance for faith-based organizations may help to prevent exposure to COVID-19 and thus help reduce its spread. It is of utmost importance that we avert a peak in serious illness that would strain hospital capacity. Your assistance in that effort is critical.
