Ministers, Educators, Administrators and Clerks, please share this information with your congregation.  
April 2, 2020
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Governor Extends Quarantine
On March 30, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 55 extending Virginia’s coronavirus quarantine through June 10. The order has a stronger direction to citizens, requiring us to stay at home unless we are going out for food, supplies, work, medical care, or exercise. As with previous orders, all public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 individuals are prohibited. This includes gathering for religious purposes (whether indoor or outdoor).
New Federal Laws Enacted in Response to COVID-19
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The first legislation Congress enacted was the Families First Coronavirus Response Act . Signed into law on March 18 and effective April 1 through December 31, 2020, the act requires paid sick leave and expands eligibility for family and medical leave. Michael Kirk, general counsel for the PC(USA) A Corporation, wrote a summary of the act and described its application to churches. Another resource about this act is a webinar aired by the Insurance Board on March 31 featuring Heather Kimmel, general counsel for the United Church of Christ.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
PC(USA) reports that churches and other nonprofit organizations are eligible for financial aid available from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act , the second piece of legislation passed by Congress and signed into law March 27. Of significant relevance to churches may be loans under the Paycheck Protection Program , many of which are forgivable, so long as churches and worshiping communities maintain employment levels. The Insurance Board is offering a webinar discussing this act on Tuesday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Benefits Will Continue, Rep Assures
In a Zoom meeting on April 1, Board of Pensions representative Martha Reisner shared information about the organization’s resources regarding COVID-19. She assured participants that benefits would continue even if a church is experiencing financial hardship and advised church leaders to contact Employer Services for details. A summary of the resources and information is available.
Mission Co-workers Urged to Return to U.S.
PC(USA) has requested that mission co-workers working abroad return to the U.S. Cindy Corell , who only recently traveled back to Haiti, is in self-quarantine in Virginia. Ruth Brown , serving in Ghana, has been unable to return to the U.S. due to travel restrictions. Please continue to pray for all co-workers and the people of the countries where they serve.
Into the Church Triumphant
Ruth Metzel
March 21, 2020
Former mission co-worker to Congo
wife of Rev. William Metzel (honorably retired)

Details for a celebration of Ruth's life will be determined after the COVID-19 public health emergency has subsided.

PC(USA) also published an article about Ruth's life and work
Other News
Virginia Resource for Essential Needs
2-1-1 is Virginia’s central source for information and referrals for essential health and human service needs. Citizens can use it to find information about food assistance, shelter, utility assistance, and health care. Access this confidential resource 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via two means: online at 211virginia.org or by dialing 2-1-1 by phone.

● If an organization provides ongoing services to the general public, they are encouraged to add their organization to the 2-1-1 database through the link “Update/Add Your Agency” at the top of the 2-1-1 website. 
● New time-limited services that are open to the general public during this health emergency can be sent to 211admin@councilofcommunityservices.org . 
Control Access to Video Meeting Info
Video teleconferencing has enabled businesses, organizations, and schools to continue operations while coronavirus quarantines are in effect. However, some people take advantage of these systems to be hateful or disruptive. The FBI offers tips for keeping your meeting safe from people with ill intent.
Stated Meetings
June 16
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Salisbury PC, Midlothian
Overture deadline: April 21 at noon
Packet online: June 2
Oct 17
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Orange PC, Orange
Overture deadline: Aug 20 at noon
Packet online: Oct 1
Calendar
In-person events through June 10 have been postponed; new dates will be determined once the health crisis is resolved. If you have a question about a specific event, please contact POJ.
Online Clerk of Session Training
Clerks of session, especially those new to the position, are invited to an online training with stated clerk Fred Holbrook. Learn responsibilities as put forth in the Book of Order and other duties clerks of session might be asked to perform.
Date: April 26
Time: 4 to 6 p.m
Jobs
Churches throughout POJ are looking for new talent. Find information about opportunities on POJ's job board.

Searching for candidates? Submit a job .
Office Telephone (804) 262-2074