Friends,
In the midst of COVID-19, important information is rapidly changing and evolving. There are several urgent actions you or your church might need to take to maximize your potential financial assistance.
1) The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act information page on the Wisconsin Annual Conference Website has been published. Please be aware it is being frequently updated and edited. We encourage you to check it often. The easy URL is wisconsinumc.org/cares. There are some immediate things you can do to better prepare your church, which are listed on this page, as this act continues to be evaluated.
2) The Treasurer’s office is providing an online giving platform to local churches who do not have their own as a way for members to give to their churches during the COVID-19 period of isolation. Church members may access the giving form via this online link. Churches who wish to take advantage of this service should please complete an ACH/direct deposit form, print, sign and return to Lisa Adler at ladler@wisconsinumc.org. The name, email and telephone number of the signer must be included and must be an established financial contact for the church. The fiscal office will contact the pastor as a secondary validation measure before any funds are sent. Once the ACH information is validated by the pastor, the funds will be transmitted electronically every Friday to the local church along with an e-mail confirmation and donor file. This e-mail will be sent both to the financial contact and the pastor.
3) We are working with our Joint Board to evaluate the Pension/health reserves and determine if we can provide an insurance/pension holiday as some other Conferences are doing. We will keep you posted as a decision on this is made. We will structure this so that churches who are applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (that will cover payroll, health insurance and certain other costs until June 30th), can use the credit if made available.
The Wisconsin Conference will continue to provide necessary guidance on fiscal matters as it relates to COVID-19. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me through email: ssneder@wisconsinumc.org. My prayers are with each of you daily and together, we will make it through this uncertain time.
With Appreciation,
Sarah Sneider
WAC Treasurer/Director of Administration