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Coronavirus Resources & Information
The church is not a building.
The church is not a steeple.
The church is not a resting place.
The church is... a people.
For such a time as this,
we are the church.
From Synod Transitional Executive
Susan Faye Wonderland
in her letter to the region
Spanish translation here)
Coronavirus:
Faithfully Serving, Being Aware
The Synod of the Trinity is continually
collecting resources on how churches can cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
Below are links to those resource pages.
- Find a list of congregations that are livestreaming services across the region
Virtual Communion
Carlisle
'This is a chance for churches to really shine'
These days, every church is looking for ways to connect their congregation in a time when things like “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” have become part of our everyday vocabulary due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in the United States. Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, PA, is no different.
From an online bingo night to a drive-in worship service, the Rev. Jeff Gibelius and his staff have been constantly seeking ways to keep worshipers connected.
“I feel this is a chance for churches to really shine," Jeff said, "to do what we do best, caring for each other, caring for the caregivers, offering hope and inspiration. This is definitely a crisis. It is also an opportunity to shine. People have been complaining that folks see the church as irrelevant. This is a time to show our relevance.”
To read more about the innovative things Second Church has planned for the future, click here.
Beaver-Butler
What's brewing? Westminster Praise Band to play in unique setting
The Westminster Presbyterian Church Praise Band in Evans City, PA, was scheduled to perform in a unique setting in early April. And while the spread of the coronavirus will delay the opportunity for these musicians to play at the North Country Canning Company in Slippery Rock, PA, it hasn't quelled the excitement about the opportunity that this is providing.
“We understand that this is kind of an unusual place that we’re trying to reach out,” admitted the Rev. Dr. Tom Harmon. “For several years we have tried to offer worship opportunities outside of our building. We want to minister to everyone everywhere, and this is an opportunity for us. The energy helps to confirm that calling that this is something we should be involved in."
To read more about this unique opportunity, click here.
Synod of the Trinity
NEW! Ecumenical Grant
 What are the missional opportunities in our local communities that can be addressed by ecumenical partners committed to living out the love of Christ with their neighbors? How does our common call to live the Kingdom challenge us to be present together in new ways that make a difference where we live and worship?
Congregations, presbyteries and Presbyterian supported interdenominational partnerships are invited to dream a local ministry initiative and can apply for a one-time grant of up to $1,000 to begin that new work.
For more on this grant and to download the application, click here.
Subscribe to this monthly enews by emailing your name and email address to mgivler@syntrinity.org.
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Update
Tax-Exempt Certificates
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak and government mandated shutdowns, the Synod’s Sales Tax Exemption renewal, which includes the churches and presbyteries under its umbrella, was being processed by the Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue, which is currently closed, said all existing sales tax exemption certificate expiration dates are being extended by four months, meaning they will be valid through July 31.
An official extension letter will be mailed to presbytery offices for distribution as soon as we have it.
Synod office working virtually
Due to the coronavirus, the Synod of the Trinity staff is working remotely until further notice. This link provides contact information for us.
How does PDA respond during a pandemic?
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is having to respond to ongoing and new situations from afar.
“Although it doesn’t happen frequently, PDA has engaged in virtual deployments,” said the Rev. Jim Kirk, Associate for Disaster Response (U.S.). “When the people we needed were not available to travel, we would have to find other ways to respond, sometimes in consulting with leadership in discerning response.”
To read more about how PDA is responding through online means to areas of need, click here.
Future Church Symposium postponed
The second annual Future Church Symposium, scheduled for April 18 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle, PA, with guest speaker Reggie McNeal, is being postponed due to the spread of the coronavirus. Organizers are looking for a date later in the summer or fall.
Eastern region of APCE April gathering canceled
The Eastern Region of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (EAPCE) Spring Event, to be held April 27-29 at Rhoades Grove Conference Center in Chambersburg, PA, has been canceled for 2020 due to the spread of the coronavirus.
Webinar on March 26 focusing on ruling elders
Are you a deacon or ruling elder wondering what you’ve signed up for?
On March 26 at 2 p.m., a 90-minute webinar will explore what serving in the church’s ordered ministries is all about (including what we mean by “ordered ministry”) and how the Book of Order can be an important resource for you in your work.
On-demand replay of the event will be available. More information is available here.
Synod's PW release details on July gathering
The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity will hold their annual summer gathering July 9-11 at Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA (Laurel Highlands in SW PA). This year's theme is "Rejoice in Hope."
More information, including information on the workshops and a registration link, is available by clicking here.
Registration for GA pushed back again to April 20
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), announced that registration for this year’s gathering would be delayed until March 24. However, after meeting with church leaders last week, the decision was made to delay registration until no later than April 20.
For more on this decision process, click here.
Philadelphia offers podcast on work by its churches
The Presbytery of Philadelphia continues to share the stories of its congregations and region through PresbySpeak, which is a regular podcast that highlights the work being done in those areas.
A recent podcast tells the story of the new re-plant of the collaborative church in West Philly. About 20 years ago, the presbytery planted the seeds to explore new possibilities of a collaborative worshiping community in West Philly. Learn about how collaborative efforts of leaders from Presbyterian churches have shaped this ministry.
To find this podcast, click here.
Find helpful resources on Synod website
Check out our
Denominational Maps!
The Synod of the Trinity continues to be a resource hub for the region. On the Synod's website, you can find helpful links to the following categories:
If you have something to contribute to these sections, or have an idea for a resource page, contact Synod Communications Coordinator Mike Givler at mgivler@syntrinity.org.
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