Coronavirus Resource Page
Be Strong, Church!
When President Panzer wrote his article, “Be Strong, Church!” for the Kansas edition of the March Lutheran Witness, COVID-19 wasn’t a concern here. The encouragement in that article still applies, though, and it’s taken on new meaning. “Give to us, Lord, an open door that Your Spirit might work through us for effective outreach in our communities, in our homes, our schools, our [insert the name/place here].” Some doors may have closed in response to COVID-19, but others are opening. The resources assembled here are intended to help you stay informed, respond to the changes in your congregations and schools, and see the open doors around you. You’re all in our prayers.
Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut (Rev. 3:8).
KANSAS DISTRICT
CARES Act
On March 27, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which offers help for non-profits and small businesses. Our congregations and schools might be eligible; see the letter below from Business Manager Heather Williams for more information. We also recommend visiting the Concordia Plan Services (CPS) COVID-19 page.
OFFICE UPDATE
As of March 26, we’ve been working remotely in response to a “Safer at Home” order in Shawnee County (effective through April 26) as well as the statewide “stay home” order (effective through April 19). Please contact us via email if you need assistance.
LETTERS
March 18 Pastoral Letter to the Saints of Kansas
March 16 COVID-19 Update for Pastors
March 16 COVID-19 Update for Educators
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Pastors’ Wives Retreat RESCHEDULED for July 17-18
All LERT training events ON HOLD for now
Kansas District LWML Convention, April 17-19 RESCHEDULED for July 31-Aug. 2 (website)
Need to find alternatives for worship? We’ve started a list of worship options including live-streamed and recorded services and will continue to expand the list. (Churches: We encourage you to post your COVID-19 worship plans in a prominent place on the homepage of your website and social media sites.)
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Worship/Bible Study/Devotions
The Word of the Lord Endures Forever (podcast)
Weekly Devotions: What Does This Mean?
SYNOD/SYNOD PARTNERS
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Coronavirus Resource Page
Comments on Government Recommendations
CTCR Statement: Communion and COVID-19
Concordia Publishing House
Free Resources for Worship, Bible Study, and Home
Lutheran Service Builder: Limited Promotional License
Concordia Technology Solutions
“How to Livestream Worship”
LuthEd
COVID-19 Resources for Schools
Concordia Plan Services
“What You Need to Know”
Lutheran Church Extension Fund
Business Continuity Statement
TECHNOLOGY
STREAMING/RECORDING
NEW! 3 Basic Tips for Better Church Service Videos
In this short video, LCMS pastor Tyrel Bramwell provides very practical tips to keep your church videos looking—and sounding—sharp.
LCMS
Livestream Your Church Service with Just a Smartphone
Concordia Technology Solutions
“How to Livestream Worship” (camcorder-oriented)
Michigan District
Video and Livestream Options (12-minute video)
Facebook
Going Live on Facebook: Best Practices
Premiere a Recorded Video as “Live”
ONLINE GIVING
NEW! Getting the Online Giving Moment Right
If you’re new to recorded church services, and your members are new to online giving, take eight minutes to check out this video.
LCMS Stewardcast: Electronic Giving
Blog Post: Digital Solutions During Social Distancing (Worship/Online Giving)
ONLINE ORGANIZATION