| Urgent information regarding financial assistance amid COVID-19 |
| Dear beloved LCMS congregations, schools, RSOs and co-workers: The peace of the Lord be with you! The matter that follows is urgent and deserves your immediate consideration. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States Congress has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act is intended to provide economic relief to certain individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses impacted by this outbreak. One program under the CARES Act receiving quite a bit of attention is the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). Under the PPP, certain businesses, including nonprofit organizations, may be eligible to receive a potentially forgivable loan through the Small Business Administration. PPP loans may be helpful to nonprofit organizations (including LCMS congregations, schools, and RSOs) by providing money to those organizations to pay for certain qualifying expenses, such as payroll costs (including compensation), mortgage and rent payments, and utility costs. SBA lenders will begin accepting PPP loan applications this Friday, April 3, 2020. It is expected that demand for these loans will be high and that organizations interested in obtaining PPP loans should be prepared to act quickly before the funds allocated to PPP loans under the CARES Act run out. Given the speed with which the CARES Act was adopted, additional guidance may be forthcoming regarding PPP eligibility requirements and terms. Nevertheless, any organization interested in learning more about the PPP or applying for a PPP loan is encouraged to speak with an SBA lender to obtain additional information and begin the application process. A list of SBA lenders is available at sba.gov. Additional detail and information regarding the CARES Act and the PPP, including summary materials, FAQs and other resources prepared by Concordia Plan Services (CPS), may be found at CPS’ website: concordiaplans.org. In Christ, Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President Rev. Kevin D. Robson, Chief Mission Officer Frank Simek, Chief Administrative Officer Useful links to additional information: CPS Insider — Special Edition CARES Act Information PPP Summary U.S. Department of the Treasury — Assistance for Small Businesses |
District Resources
Each congregation of the North Dakota District has carefully considered how to handle services during the current pandemic. This list of churches offering streaming services is provided to aid those who are unable to attend in-person services at this time. Many churches are evaluating and changing plans on an ongoing basis. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your pastor.
There may be changes to this list as time goes on. Check back here in the coming days and weeks.
If your congregation provides live stream services or recorded sermons or a radio broadcast but didn’t make it onto this list, please let Marie know and you will be added to the list.
(marie@nodaklcms.org or news@nodaklcms.org)
Here are the links for streamed services (in no particular order)
- St. Paul’s, Minot – https://www.anchoredminot.com/watch-live
- Zion, Gwinner – https://www.ziongwinner.org/
- Zion, Bismarck – https://www.zionbismarck.org/news/
- St. Matthew, Hazen – https://www.stmatthewhazen.org
- St. John’s Oakes – https://www.stjohnsoakes.org
- Bethel, Bismarck – https://www.facebook.com/bethelbismarck
- Our Savior, Minot – http://www.oslcnow.com/
- St. Andrew, West Fargo – https://www.facebook.com/SALCMS
- Shepherd of the Valley, Bismarck – https://sotv-bis.org/view-services
- Our Savior, Cavalier – https://www.facebook.com/oslccavalier
- Immanuel, Grand Forks – https://www.immanuelgf.com/
- St. Peter, Hannover and Zion, New Salem – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-vy8Mji-JmxjN5hC4TNAvQ
- Holy Cross and Immanuel, Hankinson – https://www.facebook.com/hcilc/
- St. Mark’s, Minot – https://www.facebook.com/minotstmarkschurch/
- Immanuel, Wahpeton – https://www.immanuelwahp.com/sermons.html
- Messiah, Mandan – https://www.facebook.com/pg/Messiah-Lutheran-Church-LCMS-Mandan-ND-136193369742260/
- Beautiful Savior, Fargo – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7L0AwnEaGMsmCosZUn-6jQ
- St. John, Hillsboro – https://www.facebook.com/stjohnhillsboro/
Audio Sermons Available:
- St. Paul’s, Minot – https://www.anchoredminot.com/sermons
- Beautiful Savior, Fargo – https://www.beautifulsaviorfargo.com/sermons-2/
- Concordia, Jamestown – http://www.concordiajt.org/sermons_audio.cfm
- Crosspointe, Fargo – http://www.crosspointelutheran.org/
- Immanuel, Fargo – http://immanuelfargo.360unite.com/sermons
- Redeemer, Lisbon – https://www.sendlcms.org/lisbon
- Zion, Bismarck – https://www.zionbismarck.org/news/
- Grace, Fargo – http://www.gracefargo.org/sermons
Radio Broadcasts Available:
- St. Matthew, Hazen – 9 am Sunday Mornings – Fox Sports Radio 1410
- Immanuel, Wahpeton – Lenten services (Wed.) at 6:30 p.m. on local channel 12. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. on local channel 12. Radio service from 8:00-8:30 a.m. every Sunday on KBMW.
Daily online content:
- Holy Cross, Bismarck – Daily Prayer – http://www.holycrossbismarck.org/Holy_Cross_Lutheran_Church/Daily_Prayer.html
- Devotions during times of Pestilence: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDu0iVoFL_d4xe2e-Mwyoxh-rR_hYiKXw
More helps for you during this time:
Main Street Living Media Ministry continues to broadcast each week and is also available online: www.mainstreetliving.com/north
LCMS president’s message and resources for coronavirus pandemic
- https://blogs.lcms.org/2020/resource-helps-congregations-plan-for-widespread-illnesses/
- KFUO.org broadcasts live chapel services from the LCMS International Center at 10 a.m. Central time each weekday, and sermons are also archived online to listen at any time. Listen to KFUO.org podcast
The Lutheran Songbird Project, from Pastor Heath and Aunnee Trampe, Minot, provides high-quality vocals for some of the most beloved Christian songs and hymns of all time. All hymns are public domain. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhpaxMViWvqYQhfkQTt2yg
Listen for the comfort of God’s Word in the midst of coronavirus fears
Concordia Publishing House Offers Free Online Resources – cph.org
Wittenberg Academy is offering eight-week courses to families and Lutheran schools impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. These courses will run from March 23rd to May 22nd, but enrollment can be flexible. This is for grades 6-12. More information about elementary school resources coming soon.
The Lenten term registration form can be accessed here:
https://form.jotform.com/200754635058961
If you know of a Lutheran school or family in need of help during this difficult time, please feel free to share this information with them so they can get in contact with us.
“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by Name, you are Mine.’” (Isaiah 43:1)
Sisters of Katie Luther – Spending time each day reading through “Psalm by Psalm: 365 Selected Readings from Martin Luther” (available from CPH) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhpT6TMxG9tiKTDouw8kUw
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