COVID-19 Response Task Force
Recently Asked Questions
Q. What approval is needed to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program that is part of the CARES Act?
A. Because these are unsecured and do not encumber your real property, PPP loans only need to be approved by the session and the corporate trustees of your congregation. They do not need to be approved by the presbytery or your congregation. The one exception would be if your ecclesiastical or corporate by-laws require a different process for approval. Be sure to check your by-laws.
 
Q. Is it OK to have our session meetings via Zoom?
A. A session can meet in any format that allows constant communication between all parties. That could be a phone conference call or Zoom or another social media platform. Once again, check your church by-laws to see if there are specific requirements for meetings. See Electronic Meetings by Zoom and Tips for Leaders  

Q. What's the final word on including the Sacrament of Communion in virtual worship?
A. The PC(USA) has authorized inclusion of the Sacrament, with session approval. See the entire opinion here.

Q. Can we still gather essential people in our sanctuary to produce a live-streamed service?
A. Yes, however physical distancing should be maintained. Congregations should not be holding in-person services until official governmental permission is given.
Watch the PC(USA) Virtual Easter Service

We recognize your plans for a joyous Easter celebration have changed due to the coronavirus outbreak.... With that in mind, we invite you to join us for an Easter celebration and message of hope. Leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) share with you a special Easter worship video, created to help us come together in community on this holiest of days. 

This 40-minute, standalone worship video is available in English, Spanish and Korean. You may view it or download it here . And we invite you to engage with us on Sunday to share your joyous expressions of Easter on the Church’s Facebook page.

Inclusion of Worship Services on Your Web site

With more people turning to the web to learn about our churches, it is more important than ever that church websites are current, including making it easy and clear how to access your virtual services from your home page. Links to the most recent worship service(s) could also be included.

Many Blackhawk Presbytery Churches are already conducting worship services online. Here is a list of SOME (but not all) of them . If you click on the link listed, each has instructions on their website to follow for online participation and/or viewing the service at a later time. 

As you continue to explore alternative ways to host and share your virtual worship experiences, it is recommended that you check out these resources and articles found on the PCUSA website that cover Livestreaming and Online Worship Resources for Congregations and Digital Services for members: https://www.pcusa.org/covid19/
Signs of New Life

He Is Risen! Aren’t these the most powerful, hopeful and joy-filled words ever shouted? Easter is the time that we celebrate a new life, a new way of being alive.

Amidst the challenges of this time, the COVID-19 Response Task Force is already noticing signs of new life and new ways of sharing God’s love. Our worship services across the presbytery are reaching those who can’t get to church, and those who wouldn’t normally even be stepping into a church. We are seeing stunning examples of generosity, from within our congregations and from strangers. We are discovering new opportunities to connect, and resurrecting old ways of caring for one another. We are experiencing ways to be the church in the world, outside our walls!

This year more than ever, may the church truly embrace not just the real historical resurrection, but the real time resurrection happening around us and in us. Watch of news of our Facebook Group, and this opportunity to share your signs of new life.

We give praise and thanks to God for each and every one of you who have already embraced this new life, and living abundantly, experimentally and creatively even with less. May the peace of Christ be with us all. He is Risen !
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Financial assistance is available to churches as they meet hard times.
Don't delay in seeking information.


COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Grants and related resources  from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Limited funds - Apply by April 30!


CARES Act: Please refer to the PCUSA COVID-19 Resource page (under #6) for the latest information.
GENERAL RESOURCES

Blackhawk Presbytery COVID-19 page seeks examples of things you or your church are doing to "be the church". Short submissions welcome!

Please email the Presbytery office with your questions, concerns or suggestions. We are working from home and not monitoring the office phone.