COVID-19 Response Task Force
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
April 3 Announcement: Board of Pensions Announces Dues Relief

The Board of Pensions is offering dues relief and other assistance to churches and employers as we move through the COVID-19 crisis. Read more here.

If you believe your church may qualify, call the Board of Pensions at 800-PRES-PLAN (800-773-7752). Be sure to have your church PIN and the last billing statement. Ask them what you need to do to get dues relief and they will take it from there. For now, you do not need to notify the presbytery that you have done this.  
Grants up to $7500 still available through PDA Deadline extended to April 30

The Pastoral Letter from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance outlines what has been done and what they are continuing to do, including funding grant requests.

COVID-19 and Matthew 25 grant requests will follow the same procedures as other PDA grants where all grant requests must come from the mid councils. In Blackhawk Presbytery, please submit your requests by email to office@blackhawkpresbytery.org .


Remember, a large portion of funding for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance comes from churches who participate in the One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering. Please continue to promote this vital offering to your congregations!
(And yes, the "O-fish-ial" Fishing Derby challenge to fill the OGHS fish banks has been extended until 'after COVID'.)
CARES Act
Congress has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package designed to provide stability and relief to businesses and individuals. Ministries are included in this relief package. Please refer to the PCUSA COVID-19 Resource page (under #6) for the latest information about applying for assistance. More information about CARES coming soon from the Task Force, after we gather more details! 
RESOURCES

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

  • Nancy Dolan (Executive Bridge Presbyter)
  • Eric Heinekamp (Stated Clerk)
  • Chuck Johnson (Presbytery Moderator)
  • Catherine Martin (COM Moderator)
  • Alex Regets (Mission Committee)
  • Barb D’Souza (Rockford Westminster, Commissioned Pastor)
  • Ron Barkby (Elgin First, Elder) 

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