Congregation Resources
Welcome to our resource page for congregations. Our synod consists of 138 congregations across south-central Wisconsin. This page includes various resources for congregation leaders, councils, and staff. Our resources for congregations include supply pastor lists, human resource resources, links for treasurers and more.
New & Highlighted Resources
- Stories of Faith in Action – New 2020-2021 Edition
Stories are the foundation of our faith. They teach us how to serve God with humility. They remind us of our identity as God’s beloved children. They bring us together and give us hope for the future. Given the challenges of 2020, we need stories of hope and unity more than ever before. That’s where your 2020-2021 edition of “Stories of Faith in Action”comes in. This annual publication illustrates how God is at work across the ELCA through your generosity.
Pandemic Administrative Related Resources
- Resuming Care-filled Worship & Sacramental Life During Pandemic
July 23, 2020: The pandemic has challenged churches to continue being the church without gathering in person. We have met that challenge by meeting online, live streaming worship and providing instructions for worship at home. Now churches face another challenge. How will we resume worship gatherings in-person while the pandemic is still with us? This new resource of safe practices for worship during the pandemic has been created by an ecumenical consultation. In addition to representatives from several denominations in the U.S., the consultation team included scientists and medical professionals. Additional materials are found on the supporting website, including a Spanish edition of the core resource.
- ELCA Resource on Considerations for Returning to In-person Worship
May 13, 2020: As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding when and how they will be able to gather again for worship, this resource offers general guidance.
- SBA’s FAQs on the CARES ACT
Updated on April 28, 2020
- Emergency Congregational Bylaw for Remote Meetings
Bylaw template for congregations that don’t have language in their constitutions for remote meetings.
- Paycheck Protection Program FAQ
April 3, 2020 Memo from ELCA Churchwide Offices providing guidance to congregations on new Federal assistance programs.
- Paycheck Protection Program Application
Application for an SBA loan that helps businesses (including churches) keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
- Considerations for Remote Council and Congregation Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 1, 2020 Memo with Information from the ELCA Office of the Secretary
- C.A.R.E.S. Act Summary
This document briefly summarizes provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“the CARES Act”) that could possibly be of interest to church plans, ministries and plan members.
- Families First Act Summary
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law by the President on March 18, 2020. It expands the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including which employers are covered under the Act, which may bring smaller religious organizations like Local Churches and Synods under the new provisions.
Resource Documents & Links
Pastoral Supply List
Pastoral Supply List provides an updated listing of the names of pastors & rostered lay leaders available for supply preaching and worship leadership when a called rostered minister is absent.
Pastoral Supply List PDF
Mission Support Resources
In late-2019 all congregations received a mailing which included a letter from Interim Bishop Rogness along with information and a form for pledging congregational mission support for the next year. A downloadable copy of that packet is available below.
November, 2019 Treasurer Mailing: (PDF)
2020 Mission Support Statement: (PDF)
Synod Vice-President Jane Cahill Wolfgram has sent information on 2020 Mission Support to all congregational leaders outlining how your synod is at work for the new year and inviting congregations to prayerfully consider their mission support for 2020 and beyond. This letter along with the 2020 Synod Spending Plan may be found below.
2020 Mission Support Letter: (PDF)
2020 Synod Narrative Spending Plan: (PDF)
2021 Synod Narrative Spending Plan: (PDF)
Congregational Financial Reporting Resources
Remittance Form for congregational treasurer – Each congregation is mailed a congregational ID number to include on this form. It is important to include the form with each remittance.
Remittance Form: (PDF) (Word)
Certification of Audit and Blanket Insurance Forms – Each year in late January, each congregation’s treasurer is asked to complete these forms to ensure we have accurate documentation on financial and insurance plans.
Audit Certificate: (PDF) (Word)
Blanket Employee Dishonesty Coverage Form – Each year in late January, each congregation’s treasurer is asked to complete these forms to ensure we have accurate documentation on financial and insurance plans.
Employee Dishonesty Coverage: (PDF)
Compensation Guidelines
The SCSW Compensation Guidelines and Recommendations are downloadable and available for your use as you do your budget planning for the coming year. These are suggested minimum guidelines.
2020 Guidelines: (PDF)
2021 Guidelines: (PDF)
Portico Benefits & Resources
For further information on Board of Pensions/Portico rates, calculators and details visit the Portico Benefits website.
ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations
Each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods and the churchwide organization—has a constitution. This model is the minimum standard for congregations. Any congregation that wishes to update their constitution should consult the synod secretary for guidance and approval.
Model Constitution word doc
Additional Resources: ELCA Constitution Resources
Synod & Parish Protection Handbook
This handbook contains guidelines for screening staff and volunteers and recommendations of appropriate behaviors for adults who work with children and youth.
PPP Handbook (2017) PDF
Model Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy
This policy document may be used as a guide for congregations in drafting their own congregation specific Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy in consultation with the synod and other local resources. This model should be seen as the minimum standard for congregations.
Model Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy PDF
Synod Speaker’s Bureau
These leaders in our synod are available to come to your congregations and worshiping communities to share their experience and knowledge. Topics are listed with an informational pdf page for each speaker.