“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

LINKS TO HELPFUL RESOURCES & INFORMATION

Letters, Posts, and Updates:

August 20, 2021: Navigating COVID for the Congregations We Serve

We are grateful for the faithfulness of congregational leadership in navigating the management of COVID precautions to keep churches safe. We continue to be mindful of the challenges before us due to the new realities presented by the Delta variant of the virus. The Presbytery strongly encourages sessions to refer to the links available on our COVID resource page, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the appropriate entity for your county as you prayerfully discern how best to love our neighbors as ourselves. We pray these will equip us all to lead from a place of possibilities grounded in the love and hope we know in Christ.

May 14, 2021: CDC Announcement for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

The Commission on Ministry and Presbytery Leadership Guidance in Light of Latest CDC Announcement related to fully vaccinated individuals. Click here to read.

MARCH 16, 2021 Resources: Viruses, Vaccines, and Variants, Oh My!

Last week we welcomed Lisa Allgood as the featured guest for a Conversation at the Well. Lisa is not only the Executive Presbyter in the Presbytery of Cincinnati, but also a trained immunologist. In the midst of all things COVID-19, Lisa’s wisdom and expertise has proved pivotal in the work alongside churches as we navigate safety related to our gatherings and public health. Click here to access the video, podcasts and many downloadable resources that you can share with your congregations.

Tech Grants Available from April 20 to June 20, 2021**

**After June 20th, please check our Grant Resources page to find out about Great Ends Grants and Covenant Fund, and other resources.

JANUARY 11, 2021:

Clergy Listed as Part of Phase 1B in the Pennsylvania Vaccination Distribution Plan. Click here for details.

JUNE 24, 2020 Resources for Consideration of Re-Opening after COVID-19

From Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace – Executive Presbyter, and Rev. Kevin L. Porter – Stated Clerk

Dear Colleagues in Ministry, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  It is our deepest prayer that this letter finds you, those dearest to you, and the congregation and community you serve in ministry continually assured of God’s abiding presence in these days! Read more here... You can download the letter and resources as a PDF here to share with your congregation

May 25, 2020

Guidelines from the PC(USA) for Returning to Public Worship: Theological and Practical Considerations

May 23, 2020

From Revs. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace and Kevin Porter, A Pastoral Letter: Church Buildings Are Closed but Our Witness Continues. Click here to download the letter and share with your congregations.

May 22, 2020

The CDC releases interim guidelines for leaders of faith communities related to plans & preparations in light of COVID-19. Details here

May 19, 2020

Did you miss last week’s webinar on all things CovenantFund, GreatEndsGrants, and grants & ministry ideation? Check out the video here to share with ministry leaders. Thanks Commission on Resources and Creative Ministries!

May 15, 2020

The Presbyterian Chruch (USA) offers a Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resource Center page, which has the latest news, information and resources for Presbyteries and churchers. Click here to visit their page.

May 1, 2020

The Commission on Ministry (COM) has developed a Tool Kit for such a time as this. Resources include ordaiing officiers and congregational meetings. Click here to access COM’s Toolkit.

April 29, 2020

The Office of the General Assembly (OGA) has alerted us that this year’s GA will be a virtual one, with a plenary session on June 19 and the business meetings on June 26 and 27. Details here.

April 24, 2020

Click here to read a recent letter from leadership of our Presbytery: Moderator, Elder Vijay Aggarwal and Executive Presbyter, Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace

April 14, 2020

Tax Exemption Deadline Extended – Details Here.

April 2, 2020

Critical Financial Support from the Presbytery of Philadelphia: Click here for important sources of financial support for congregations which are severely impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 1, 2020

Updates from the Employee Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions.

MARCH 31, 2020

Click here for a PDF of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s role in supporting the church during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

March 31, 2020

Jean Hemphill, a member of the Church Alliance and an advisor to the Board of Pensions, was asked by the Executives of the six agencies of the General Assembly and the President of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation to provide a resource to congregations and mid councils on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Click below for a resource from the Church Alliance which summarizes the CARES Act and how financial resources authorized under the Act might be accessed.Act now to participate. If you need assistance, contact Chandler Stokes, Transitional Business Administrator at cstokes@presbyphl.org

The Church Alliance Resource on the Cornonavirus (CARES ACT)

March 26, 2020

The Presbytery Office is officially closed until further notice, staff is working remotely. May we continue to be a people connected by a Gospel of Hope in the midst of the unknown. Stay safe and may God continue to hold us in the palm of His hand.

March 20, 2020

Need to purchase ZOOM subscription for digital church gatherings? Our Presbytery’s Leadership Collegium has earmarked up to two months worth of funding for a congregation of 150 members or less to use for the PRO plan.

March 18, 2020

Click here to read a recent letter sent to our Presbytery from Rev. Dr. J Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the PCUSA, and Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

March 17, 2020

Join leadership of the Presbytery of Philadelphia TODAY, March 17th, at 2 p.m. for a LIVE ZOOM conversation as we explore the wilderness wanderings that is the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Our time together will be framed in prayer as we reflect on how our churches and pastors are responding in this uncertain time. For Details and to Register Click Here.