Illinois South Conference COVID-19 Response
UPDATE #3, March 30, 2020
To Illinois South Conference pastors, church leaders and congregations:
Based on the rapidly growing number of infected people in our area, and following updated national guidelines, the Executive Committee is extending the recommendation to suspend in-person worship until April 30, 2020. This date is subject to revision, pending changes by the state and federal government. This recommendation protects both our congregants and our neighbors. Sheltering-in-place is one thing we all can do to reduce the spread of COVID-19. There are confirmed cases in 8 of 12 counties where ISC churches are located.
While none of us expected an extended, pensive Lenten period like this, Easter morning will come again in that moment when we celebrate the resurrection in person once more.
The Highland and DuBois offices will remain closed until April 30, 2020. There will continue to be no in-person ISC team or committee meetings during this time.
Regarding DuBois Center, paid staff will be performing essential tasks at camp during this time, which includes: animal care, mowing, building maintenance and repair. It does not include recreational use of the grounds.
Conference Council will make a decision on summer camp season at a meeting on April 15.
ISC Spirit
With this update, we will begin sharing good news happening in our churches, and across our region. If you know of a story that shows people actively being the church, please send it to Jill Baker (ISC moderator) at jabaker5@aol.com or Rev. Shana Johnson (ISC Conference Minister) at sjohnson@iscucc.org. We need to see the hands and feet of Jesus in action right now, so share the stories that are warming your heart. #ISCspirit
“At St. John UCC in Trenton, IL, we've have found reasons for gratitude and joy even in the midst of our global Covid-19 crisis. One of our members is a local chiropractor, and he was in need of masks in order to keep himself and his patients healthy. On the evening of Saturday, March 21st, we received a request from him for 9 hand-sewn masks, and within 24 hours, we had all nine made and delivered (using proper social distancing, of course).
Six of them even had fancy, lingerie elastic for the ear straps, because that was what our member had on hand. Desperate times call for desperate measures - and plenty of belly laughs. I'm so glad we were able to help our member and his staff stay safe and healthy. Although we can't meet in person right now for worship, using our resources and talents to help others is just one way that we can truly #BeTheChurch and share #ISCspirit in this time and place. Thanks be to God for simple joys!”
--By Rev. Christy Eckert
Helpful Information
With this update, there are two files with revised information on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, particularly regarding Emergency Paid Sick Leave and the expansion of Emergency Family and Medical Leave that come from the UCC legal counsel. In a nutshell, if a church employee has a sick child under age 18 that needs care, churches can continue to pay that person and have the pay reimbursed to the church. See the attachment for precise rules.
The Federal stimulus package passed last weekend appears to have provisions for non- profit organizations, and specifically churches, to take out loans to cover expenses such as payroll, insurance and utilities, for a set period. If the church does not lay anyone off, and keeps all employees at 75% pay or more of what they were making before the COVID-19 crisis, the loans will become grants. We are actively seeking more information on rules, how to apply, deadlines and other details. We will send out an update as soon as we have more information.
If you previously had AA or other 12 Step groups meeting in your building, or if you have congregants who regularly attend meetings, share this link with them for online support: https://www.12step.org/social/online-meetings/
Rev. Shana Johnson will be offering a Zoom session for pastors and church leaders tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31 from 10 am to noon to discuss worship, stewardship, and mission during this time of social distancing as well as to hear the needs of our churches and how the Conference might response and be of greatest support.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/7088890946 Meeting ID: 708 889 0946
Worship Resource
A gift of music from The OÎkos Ensemble for you and your church
These 9 original compositions, plus a jazz arrangement of an Easter hymn, were recorded by The OÎkos Ensemble and have been performed at more than 300 worship services and sacred jazz concerts around the country. Each one has a story to tell.
You are invited to freely use the music in your worship streaming or for personal and group meditation.
Included are the links to my blog. Each entry contains:
- Link to the musical selection on You Tube
- Reflection about the music
- Prayer for personal use or in worship
- Lyrics where applicable
My best wishes and prayers to you as we all seek to navigate through these uncertain times.
Abundant Blessings,
Rev. Cliff Aerie with the Oikos Ensemble
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Music
Click on each song title to be linked to the Worship Jazz Blog. There you will find a link to the music on YouTube, a reflective thought and personal prayer.
- Forest Muse by Cliff Aerie (7:47)
- Dreams and Visions by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie(5:46)
- Earth Walk by Cliff Aerie (8:58)
- Jiangjing [Live the Way] by Cliff Aerie (6:38)
- Up the Downspout by Cliff Aerie (11:15)
- Salaam Q’ahira by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie (10:05)
- Dance of the Aegean by Chris Bakriges (7:00)
- Singing All My Blues Away by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie (7:42)
- Joy Dawned Again by Chris Bakriges [arrangement on hymn tune] (5:45)
- As One by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie (4:15)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Together in Christ’s ministry with you,
Dr. Jill Baker, Conference Moderator Rev. Rosemary Captain Rev. Christy Eckert, Conference Vice-Moderator Ms. Virginia Ilch
Mr. Dwight Asselmeier, Conference Treasurer Rev. R.J. Morgan
Rev. Ivan Horn, Conference Secretary Rev. Mike Southcombe Rev. Shana Johnson, IL South Conference Minister Ms. Barbara VanAusdall