A letter from Rev. William "Bill" McLean, Presbyter for Congregational Care
Realizing there are many unknowns that congregations are addressing during these challenging times of stay at home and physically distancing, we wanted to make you and your congregations aware of some financial assistance opportunities that are available for PC(USA) congregations.
- Within the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois, the General Council (GC) has created a loan program to provide interest free loans up to $1,000 to assist congregations in covering the unexpected expenses that responding to COVID-19 have created. The GC has designated up to $10,000 to be used to award these loans with a deadline of December 31, 2022 to repay the loan. The application for these interest free loans is attached.
- The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will consider dues relief requests for congregations including the possibility of providing "a waiver of Pastor’s Participation dues for up to three months, with no change to benefits." If your congregation is not sure that they will be able to make their dues payments please contact the BOP directly about this possibility.
- The Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) is working with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to provide emergency grants for congregations and these "additional funds will be for congregations that have historically been marginalized, are vulnerable, or serving vulnerable communities. The funds can be used for continuity of ministry needs emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic." The application has to be submitted by the presbytery on behalf of the congregation and the application deadline is April 30, 2020. Additional information and the application are attached.
Thank you for the many ways you are caring for your neighbors during these challenging times and please know that you remain in our prayers. If you have any questions please let me know.
