In response to the increased concerns around the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the CPC and its ministries, the Office of the General Assembly has compiled the following news and updates, along with some helpful information for members, pastors, and congregational leaders. 

-Check back regularly for additional updates - newly added information in red. -

• PASTORAL LETTERS FROM THE MODERATOR/OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSDEMBLY (OGA)

If you did not receive an email directly from the Moderator/OGA, please review: 

      •  COVID-19 weekly letter #9 dated May 28, 2020

      •  COVID-19 weekly letter #8, dated May 19, 2020

      •  COVID-19 weekly letter #7, dated May 7, 2020

      •  COVID-19 weekly letter, dated April 27, 2020

      •  Eastertide Blessings, dated April 20, 2020

      •  Easter Monday, dated April 13, 2020

      •  Holy Week/Easter Greeting, dated April 6, 2020

      •  Letter to the CPC, dated March 21, 2020

     • Letter to the CPC, dated March 12, 2020

RESOURCES TO HELP IN THE RE-OPENING TRANISITION:

1. •New Center for Disease Control (CDC):  “Interim Guideance for Communities of Faith”
   

1. •Guidance for Gathering Together in Houses of Worship
   

             • Guidance fo Gathering Together  in Houses of  Worship - Spanish Translation_.pdf  

1. •How To Have Church-During-Covid-19-Survival-Guide.pdf
   

• 7 Ways To Transition Your Church Giving Moment And 6 Things You Should Do When You Use (from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center)

In the next few months, your church may transition back to in-person gatherings. During this social-distancing hiatus, you may have added new ways to worship and give. Now is the time to think about how you carry those new ways back to your worship space. 

 

Every church is different. Not all of these transitions will apply to you.  But every church can and should consider what lessons they have learned and what practices will serve them best as we move to the next stage of this global pandemic. 

• PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) from U.S. Small Business Administration

•  Overview/FAQ for Faith-Based Organziations, including houses of worship.

1. • Helpful Ecumenical Resource, developed by the Presbyterian Church USA (provides some examples for application of SBA Loans in the context of Presbyterian Churches)
   

1. •GUIDELINES FOR CONGREGATIONS IN RESPONSE TO A PANDEMIC (available in the following translations):
   

                            English                      Spanish                             Korean

• Please Stay informed and Follow Recommended Procedures for you and your congregation.

As the status of COVID-19 changes, it is important to stay up to date on the latest information and follow recommended procedures from the following organizationpos:

        •  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  https://www.cdc.gov

                See guidelines and checklists for Faith Based - Organizations

                            •  A Checklist for Faith Leaders

                            •  Before, During, and After Guidance

        •  The World Health Organization:  https://www.who.int

        •  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov

• DENOMINATIONAL CENTER OFFICES Suspend Campus Operations during COVID-19 Pandemic

Concern for COVID-19 prompts the Denominational Center to suspend our normal office hours.  Our Campus will be closed to the public through August 31, 2020.  At that time, we’ll reassess if CDC guidelines indicate extending the closure of our campus.

During this time staff will be working from home and all of our regular services to the denomination will continue as normally as possible. Staff will continue to be available to respond to emails and voice messages left, however response time may be slower than normal. For a directory of denominational offices and personnel - (click here.)

1. •2020 GA AND WOMEN’S MINISTRY CONVENTION RESECHEDULED -click here-
   

1. •LINKS TO MORE DENOMINATIONAL RESOURCES:
   

• Pastoral Development Ministry Team (Resources for Pastors and Congregations)

• Discipleship Ministry Team Ministry (Resources for Children, Youth, Young Adult and Adult Ministries)

• Missions Ministry Team Resources (Mission Resources)

• Board of Stewardship Investment Loan Program (ILP) Information

• ONLINE WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

In the midst of COVID-19, many CPC ccongregations are offering online worship opportunities.  Check out online service opportunities on your church website or facebook page, or that of a neighboring CP Church. Here’s just a few that you are welcome to worship with (more opportunities will be added as information is received):

1. •Beaver Creek CPC, Knoxville, TN (Presbytery of  East Tenneessee)
   

https://www.facebook.com/Beaver-Creek-Cumberland-Presbyterian-Church-127957357246937/

* Whiteoak Pond CPC, Lebanon, MO (Missouri Presbytery)

http://www.whiteoakpond.org/facebook @10:45 a.m.

• Pathway Church, Burleson, TX (Red River Presbytery)

Join us here @ 10:25 a.m.:  LIVE.Pathway.Church or on Facebook Live.

1. •Dyersburg CPC, Dyersburg,TN (West Tennessee Presbytery)  www.cumberlandchurch.com
   

Providing a Drive-In Worship Experience @ 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

1. •A Family Worship Resource for home:  https://pres-outlook.org/2020/03/family-worship-for-march-22-2020/
   

       Questions? Reourses/Information to Share?  Email:  assembly@cumberland.org