Bishop Thomas Aitken's
Weekly Pastoral Message
April 6, 2020
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April 6, 2020
A Holy Week update from Bishop Aitken
Dear Synod:
Holy Week begins. You are precious to me especially during this new period of rightful self-distancing. Holy week will look a little different than we are used to this year. But the church’s story of our Lord’s passion, his unconditional love for you and the whole world remains the same. The promise of God’s strength through the work of the Holy Spirit right now in your life is a promise you can count on. The external circumstances that surround us right now do not diminish God’s work in and through you and your congregation. You are proof of that to me. I hear the good things happening in your congregations. Through the Spirit’s work in each of you, I continue to see the love of Christ lived out in your words and deeds through creative new avenues of communication.
In response to COVID-19, the U.S. Congress recently enacted several legislative measures to provide financial resources for individuals and for businesses, including congregations. This includes expanded unemployment benefits, the Families First Act and paid family leave during the pandemic, as well as the CARES Act, which includes the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) for which congregations are eligible. Please remember many details are still unfolding. We will share as a synod - updates as those become available.
Our ELCA has made a variety of informational resources available on their website and we have included those in ours. The first of those is
Frequently Asked Questions on the Payroll Protection Program
. Congregations are eligible to apply for small business loans to offset several months of payroll expense at this time when congregations may be experiencing reduced revenue. Applications are made through the bank where the congregation does its business. A portion of the loan can be used to pay rent, mortgage, utilities and other overhead, as outlined on the information sheet. If all criteria are met, which includes not reducing or eliminating staff positions, this funding will become a forgivable loan, bolstering the congregation’s resources for pursuing a vital ministry for the coming months of 2020.
Congregations are governed by a Council which usually includes the pastors and deacons serving the congregation. Applications for these federal and other applicable state relief funds need to include the endorsement of the elected lay leaders. Consequently, the ELCA Churchwide organization has also included an overview on how to hold a meeting electronically in this time in which we are not allowed to gather in person (
Considerations for Remote Council and Congregation Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
). Such electronic meetings are allowed in Minnesota.
In this country the majority of funding for the missional life of a congregation comes from the offerings of members. Maintaining generous stewardship is needed as much in the midst of the pandemic as it is in all other seasons. On the
Synod’s Website
you will find an updates from
Portico Benefits
and
Mission Investment Fund
for congregations with mortgages. You will also find on our Website Home page links to COVID-19 updates, including DCD, MN Health updates, online giving options, mental health resources, ongoing updates on our postponed Synod Assembly, cancellations of various synod events, lists of congregations offering online worship or live stream worship, my own bishop’s videos and updated pastoral letters.
No congregation is required to participate in these public relief initiatives. In fact, every congregation is encouraged to speak with their attorney and their financial leaders to determine if these programs are advantageous for sustaining the congregation’s financial viability. Each of us are called to serve God with the gifts and talents we were granted. There is not one answer for all congregational contexts.
Your synod staff continues to work from home, but is trying to get all pertinent information to you on our Website, Face book and regular email onlines through Constant Contact. It is a privilege to serve you.
Peace in Christ, our rock and our salvation,
+Bishop Thomas Aitken
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Important Financial Resources for Congregations!
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Mission Investment Fund and ELCA Federal Credit Union are offering special assistance
during the COVID-19 pandemic
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mission Investment Fund and the ELCA Federal Credit Union remain trusted partners of the members, pastors, congregations and ministries of the ELCA. As the investment and lending ministry of the ELCA, MIF has resources that can provide much-needed help for customers that may be experiencing financial hardship at this time—the congregations and ministries that have MIF loans as well as individual and congregation investors. The ELCA Federal Credit Union, too, is able to provide similar assistance to its members—ELCA pastors, members, congregations and ministries.
The Mission Investment Fund
is providing
no-penalty access to term deposits
for customers who need emergency access to their funds at this time. For congregations and other ministries that need
assistance with loans,
MIF can offer such relief as:
- Deferral of loan payments
- Interest-only loan payments
- Loan modifications
- Lines of credit
- New emergency loans
The ELCA Federal Credit Union is providing similar assistance.
For members of the Credit Union who need emergency access to their funds at this time, the Credit Union is providing
no-penalty access to certificates of deposit
. For individuals, congregations and other ministries needing
assistance with loans,
the Credit Union is prepared to offer:
- Deferral of loan payments
- Interest-only loan payments
- Loan modifications
- Expedited credit card issuance and lines of credit
- Expedited personal loans
- New emergency loans
To discuss assistance from the ELCA Federal Credit Union, call 877-715-1111 or send an email to
info@elcacu.org
.
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Greetings from Portico,
We hope this finds you safe and well.
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and related market volatility, we have created a special section on our website to share timely information to help support your financial, emotional, and physical well-being during these challenging times.
You’ll find answers to
frequently asked questions about the CARES Act
to help you understand how this $2.2 trillion stimulus bill, signed into law on March 27, may affect you. We’re sharing these FAQs with your organization as well. Congregations interested in the new Paycheck Protection Program may wish to consider prompt action — the loan application window opens
April 3.
In addition, you can now find in one place all the health and financial resources we’ve shared in recent weeks.
Sign in to myPortico
for the most up-to-date information.
All of us at Portico remain focused and committed to supporting your well-being. We continue to pray for the sick, the caregivers, the researchers, our leaders, and all who are living with anxiety about COVID-19 and the related market volatility. If you have specific concerns or questions, our Customer Care Center is ready to help.
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Congregation Suspended Services and Activities
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It has been recommended by Bishop Thomas Aitken that all churches suspend services and activities until otherwise notified.
Please inform the synod office
if your congregation has the option to live stream your service. Our goal is to make a list and attach the links so members can participate virtually in weekly service.
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Send information to:
(please include the links in your email)
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Bishop
Director for Evangelical Mission
Assistant to the Bishop
Call Process
Assistant to the Bishop
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Office Administrator
Executive Administrative Assistant
NE MN Synod, ELCA
1105 E Superior St. Upper Suite
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-724-4424
Fax: 218-724-4393
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