Dear Fellow Servants of Jesus,
As COVID-19 continues to challenge us, we continue to hope in our Savior who dwells with us and has made Himself known as our refuge and strength.
Please use the resources below to assist you in caring for God’s precious people during this difficult time.
Let us remember that this is an opportunity for Christ’s church to shine brightly, to care for our neighbors, and to reach new people with the Good News all of us need as we face anxiety and uncertainty. Hearts are more ready than ever to receive the gifts of our gracious God.
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
Vaccination Information
Texas Health and Human Services Vaccine information
Pastoral Letter from President Harrison addressing COVID-19 Vaccines
LCMS COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheet
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.