Dear Fellow Servants of Jesus,
During this Pentecost season, we recall Jesus’ words to His disciples before He was lifted up into heaven:
“It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7–8)
We’re not in the business of figuring everything out, but we are positioned by our Father in heaven to trust Him and to bear witness to the risen Son. “You WILL BE my witnesses,” Jesus said. It’s a fact that is true for all times and seasons—even for this season. The gracious truth from our Savior for all seasons of history and for our very lives is: God’s got this!
May Jesus continue to bless you as you serve God’s precious people, connect with your communities, and bear witness to Him locally and to the ends of the earth!
Thankful to serve with you,
Rev. Michael W. Newman, President
Texas District, LCMS
Helpful Links
COVID-19 Stats and Information
Difference Between Flu and COVID Symptoms
A Simple Checklist to Help Reopen Your Church
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
Checklist for Places of Worship – May 26th Update
Checklist for Church Attendees – May 18th Update
Checklist for Childcare Centers – May 18th Update
Checklist for Childcare Families – May 18th Update
Checklist for Youth Camp Operators – June 3 Update
Checklist for Youth Camp Families – June 3 Update
CDC Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance
World Health Organization Latest Updates
Texas District Church Extension Fund Statement
Concordia Plans COVID-19 Updates—Please visit the CPS website on a regular basis. They are diligently working to interpret the CARES Act which will provide financial relief provisions for small businesses and non-profits. CPS is now providing FREE HR Services for April and May. (After the free trial it is $10/month for basic—5 and less EEs— and $49 for employers with 6 or more EEs.)
CDC Resources for Community and Faith-Based Leaders
LCMS Congregational Planning for Pandemics
Guidance Regarding the Lord’s Supper
Low-Cost Internet Service at https://www.everyoneon.org/
How to Livestream Your Worship Service
Video Tips for Pastors by Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller
How to Stream Your Worship Service with Facebook Live.
Paycheck Protection Program
NEW UPDATE—PPP Loans Under $50,000
Loan Forgiveness Application Form Instructions
Loan Forgiveness Application Form
Question: The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (Flexibility Act) extended the deferral period for borrower payments of principal, interest, and fees on all PPP loans to the date that SBA remits the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount to the lender (or if the borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, 10 months after the end of the borrower’s loan forgiveness covered period). Previously, the deferral period could end after 6 months. Are lenders and borrowers required to modify promissory notes used for PPP loans to reflect the extended deferral period?
Answer: The extension of the deferral period under the Flexibility Act automatically applies to all PPP loans. Lenders are required to give immediate effect to the statutory extension and should notify borrowers of the change to the deferral period. SBA does not require a formal modification to the promissory note. A modification of a promissory note to reflect the required statutory deferral period under the Flexibility Act will have no effect on the SBA’s guarantee of a PPP loan.
Sample Long Form PPP Forgiveness Application
SBA Faith-Based Organizations FAQ
Coping With COVID
Coping with COVID presentation slides
Online Worship Resources
A list of all online services submitted to the district can be found here. Please check directly with a congregation or their website for more information about the virtual services they provide.