COVID-19 and the Illinois Conference UCC

As we live into new ways of being the Church during this pandemic, look to this page for resources, updates, and news as it relates to our conference churches and the United Church of Christ.

United Church of Christ Office:   Coronavirus and the Church
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. It is caused by a virus that can also live on surfaces near where an infected person has coughed, sneezed or exhaled. It has spread throughout the world in the first quarter of 2020, causing illness, and, in some cases, death. Its effects in various countries and localities have ranged from cancellations of public gatherings, to limits or bans on travel, to drops in financial markets.

Like other organizations, churches must take appropriate health precautions. We also have a special responsibility to care for members and neighbors. This web page contains information that all settings of the United Church of Christ – local churches, associations, conferences and national ministries – have contributed to and may find useful. Resources also come from our ecumenical partners and respected health organizations.

State of Illinois – Coronavirus (COVID-19) 
Resources for Illinois Residents

City of Chicago:  Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The City of Chicago is committed to providing leadership and help throughout the evolving COVID-19 crisis. As this situation develops, we will continue to offer resources and support to people across the city. This website provides the latest information on a range of topics regarding COVID-19.

Latest Guidance:
Additional Resources:

Advocate Aurora Health information page:
https://www.advocateaurorahealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019

Advocate Faith and The Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation:
https://www.faithhealthtransformation.org/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/

Association of United Church Educators (AUCE)
Association of United Church Educators has curated the following lists of educational resources on their website.
>COVID 19-Home Resouces
>Holy Week and Easter at Home Activities and Resources

CARES Act:
>Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the UCC, has released a document on the CARES Act and how it concerns churches in particular. It addresses the question of whether churches should apply for federal funding, even if eligible, and some common questions about the Paycheck Protection Program and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act. Read Memo Here.

>Additional Online Information and Resources About Benefits Under the CARES Act (Pension Boards)

>CARES Act – Frequently Asked Questions (Pension Boards)

>SBA Faith-Based FAQ on Payroll Protection Plan

Convergence: (Website)
>Ten Ways the Church Will be Changed by COVID-19
>How To Do Church Online 
>What Will Happen To Our Churches?

Cook County Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Special Edition

Easter Resources:
Color Me Easter Eggs drawing by Suzanna Vasko
They were created by Suzanna Vasko, daughter of Rev. Kim Whisler-Vasko, pastor of St. John’s UCC in Lyons. Rev. Kim asks that you keep her daughter’s signature and contact information when you use them. Her daughter’s business, like many, is struggling in this time. So prayers to her as we pray for all struggling in so many ways in this time.

Faith in Place:
Resource for individuals and Houses of Worship

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights:
Has compiled a google doc in English and Spanish with Resources for immigrants during the COVID- 19 Crisis.

Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ (E-Blast Communication):
>View current and past editions here
>April 2020 – Illinois Conference New Beginnings E-Blast
>COVID-19 Protocols for all Illinois Conference Employees
>RECOMMENDATION TO SUSPEND ALL IN PERSON WORSHIP & GATHERINGS IMMEDIATELY

Illinois Department of Public Health
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Illinois Test Results (Updates)

Insurance Boards Partners in Protection:  (Website)
>SAFETY TIPS & RESOURCES to help your church stay informed about CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

>Online Learning
Essential training and information for church leaders through free interactive sessions that will empower you with expert advice on church safety and security.

National Council of Churches:  (website)
Sign up to receive scriptures, prayers, and meditations

Pension Boards United Church of Christ  (website)
>Read the latest updates from PBUCC during the COVID-19 global emergency.

>UCBMA Emergency Assistance Grants
The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), is the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, operates with a covenantal spirit as it provides direct financial support and compassionate responses to authorized ministers, lay church employees, and their surviving spouses/partners, in times of urgent need and personal crises.

>Herring and Stark Memorial Funds
The Herring and Stark Memorial Funds provide grants for those completing their seminary education to create an account in the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ and begin saving for a more secure retirement.

Practical Resources for Churches (PRC)
Education-based service organization providing consultants, educational webinars, workshops and resources.

United Church of Christ Mental Health Network: (Website)
Overcoming Isolation (newsletter)

UCC Wider Church Ministries – Humanitarian Development Team
COVID-19 Daily Briefing from Disaster Ministries

World Health Organization(WHO):
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Additional information:

Bookmark these resources for developing information: