Updated April 8, 2020, with the addition of a video, from the ELCA Public Health page, FAQ on Paycheck Protection Program Loans is available as a PDF in English, Spanish, and via video.
Are churches eligible? Yes. There is some misinformation out there, and some lenders are confused, but churches are eligible.
Read MoreResponding to the wide-ranging impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the ELCA Church Council approved a special fundraising appeal during a teleconference meeting that convened April 8.
Read MoreAs of Monday, March 23rd, the Lutheran Social Services of Nevada Heart of the City Senior Meal Program is served exclusively at Reformation Lutheran Church (580 East St. Louis, 89104) from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. every weekday. Meals are free for seniors 60+. Currently we are offering our warm, nutrtious meals in to-go boxes to ensure the safety of our seniors.
For questions on the Senior Meal Program, contact Senior Meal Coordinator Jupiter Vasquez at jupiter@lssnv.org. For April's menu, visit our website here.
Read MoreThe Arizona Faith Network offers an online prayer room.
“As people of faith we invite you to gather together during this anxious and uncertain time. Take a moment to read the prayers of our community below and submit your own. We stand together, rooted in our own faiths, praying for healing and direction.“
Read MoreOne of the ELCA’s preferred vendors, Tithely offers a guide to lead your church through the coronavirus. Discover the strategies your church needs to know to go digital and thrive in this free guide.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Social Services of Nevada DigiMart Food Pantry is currently open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The distribution serves those who are driving in a drive-thru format and individuals who are walking or taking public transportation simultantously.
We are continuing to offer Emergency Boxes of canned goods, dried staples, snacks, and produce (based on availability) and serving clients outside. No prior registration is necessary, and anyone in need is welcome to come and receive food. For questions on the DigiMart Food Pantry, contact info@lssnv.org.
Read MoreIn response to the spread of COVID 19, how do we as humans participate and experience life in relationship to one another as global citizens, family members, and people of faith?
Linda Staats has curated responses from trusted leaders in our faith communities and friends of HomeGrown Faith. Each provides a valuable resource for Connecting Home, School and Congregation.
Read MoreAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the globe, churches have not been insulated from the devastating virus. That means fewer people giving and supporting your good work. It also will possibly affect your church’s finances.
Read MoreThe following list of ideas is specifically directed to financial leaders across the church to help with sustaining the church and its ministry (and perhaps growing it in areas) as we live through these Coronavirus days.
Read MoreNevada is in a State of Emergency, local businesses and casinos have been temporarily shut down, group events and church gatherings have been postponed or moved online, and more and more people are looking to Lutheran Social Services of Nevada for support.
In the past two weeks alone, our DigiMart Food Pantry has served 801 families comprised of nearly 2,500 individuals – more than double what we serve in the average month.
Read More“Just like everyone else, the impact changes from day to day but the church is still the church even when we aren’t meeting — in order to protect ourselves and our neighbors from getting the COVID-19 virus,” said Pastor David Brandfass, of Christ Lutheran Sedona.
“We exist to share the gospel, but we know we also exist for the sake of the world. During this time of what seems to be a lot of hoarding, we continue to follow our Lord’s pattern of giving his life away for the sake of our world and our neighbor in need.”
Read MoreDavid Pavesic of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Tucson, writes: “More than hospitals need masks, though the needs are different. We have been sewing simple masks to be used by caregivers and other helpers of the most vulnerable. They can be worn by those helping with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, and local food pantries and other social service agencies.”
Read MoreRev. Lamont Anthony Wells writes: “In the very city that hosted the African Descent Lutheran Association’s (ADLA) August 2019 Biennial Assembly (Milwaukee, Wis.), African Americans made up almost half of Milwaukee County’s 945 coronavirus cases and 81% of its 27 deaths in a county whose population is only 26% black (as of April 3, 2020). This level of disproportionate rates of infection and death is a direct result of economic, political and environmental factors that have been growing for decades.”
Read MoreThis Holy Week, we are tired.
We know an Easter is coming—an Easter of hugs and alleluias—but for the first time for some of us, we are not sure on what day this Easter dawn shall burst forth.
Read MoreFor Pastor Miguel Gomez-Acosta, comfort is found in Psalms: “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”
Read MoreFrom the ELCA Public Health page, Recommended Practices for Lifelong Faith Formation is available (download PDF).
Here you are, sheltering in place. This resource has great suggestions for spiritual practices and faith-filled service for every age in your household.
Read MoreRead the SBA’s FAQs regarding participation of faith-based organizations in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
1. Are faith-based organizations, including houses of worship, eligible to receive SBA loans under the PPP and EIDL programs? Yes, and we additionally clarify that faith-based organizations are eligible to receive SBA loans regardless of whether they provide secular social services.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s global companion churches are taking steps to raise awareness about the pandemic and adopting new practices in order to continue their missions while staying safe and practicing physical distancing.
We have collected stories from around the globe to show how the ELCA’s companions and partners are handling the COVID-19 pandemic. View the presentation here.
Read MoreLutheran World Federation offers liturgies for Holy Week and Easter worship in a time of physical distancing, a simplified form of many worshiping traditions within the Lutheran communion and our ecumenical heritage.
In this time of pandemic, we as a communion are particularly called to keep our hearts united as we “watch and pray,” trusting that Christ always comes through locked doors.
Read MoreFrom the ELCA Public Health page, Considerations for Remote Council and Congregation Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic is available (download PDF).
Many congregation leaders are asking how they can take advantage of technology to continue to hold necessary meetings to conduct the business of the congregation.
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