church resources

Covid-19 Updates

Latest Information On Coronavirus

https://ready.nola.gov/home/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Coronavirus Testing Sites:

https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/testing/

How To Apply For Coronavirus Relief Stimulus:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

How To File For Unemployment:

Go to https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx

or call 866-783-5567

Vote 2020

2020 ELECTION RESOURCES

Below you should find all the information you need to help you amplify your voice in the polls in the upcoming local and national elections.

We are not telling you who to vote for, but we are strongly encouraging you to head to the polls and hope that you encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Register to vote here.
Unsure if you're a registered voter? Check your status here.
Need to make changes to your voter registration? Go here.
Locate your polling place here.

Are you a convicted felon, unsure if you can vote? Check here to restore your voting rights.

General election information can be found here.
Want the latest information on elections right on your phone? Sign up here for election alerts.
Interested in being an election worker? More information about that process can be found here.

Financial Literacy

COVID-19 Relief Legislation Offers Help for Investors, Small Businesses

April 24, 2020

Tiffany Harvill | Financial Advisor

As we go through the coronavirus crisis, we are all, first and foremost, concerned about the health of our loved ones and communities. But the economic implications of the virus have also weighed heavily on our minds. However, if you’re an investor or a business owner, you may benefit from COVID-19 relief legislation ("Legislation") out of Washington – and it could make a big difference, at least in the short term, for your financial future.

Expanded unemployment benefits – The Legislation provides $250 billion for extended unemployment insurance, expands eligibility and provides workers with an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020, in addition to what state programs pay. The package also covers the self-employed, independent contractors and “gig economy” workers. Obviously, if your employment has been affected, these benefits can be a lifeline. Furthermore, the benefits could help you avoid liquidating some long-term investments you’ve earmarked for retirement just to meet your daily cash flow needs.

Direct payments – You may already have received, or soon will receive, a one-time direct payment from the government. Individuals will receive up to $1,200; this amount is reduced for incomes over $75,000 and eliminated altogether at $99,000. Joint filers will receive up to $2,400, which will be reduced for incomes over $150,000 and eliminated at $198,000 for joint filers with no children. Plus, taxpayers with children will receive an extra $500 for each dependent child under the age of 17. If you don’t need this money for an immediate need, you might consider putting it into a low-risk, liquid account as part of an emergency fund.

No penalty on early withdrawals – Typically, you’d have to pay a 10% penalty on early withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s and similar retirement accounts. Under the Legislation, this penalty will be waived for individuals who qualify for COVID-19 relief and/or in plans that allow COVID-19 distributions. Withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts will still be taxable, but the taxes can be spread out over three years. Still, you might want to avoid taking early withdrawals, as you’ll want to keep your retirement accounts intact as long as possible.

Suspension of required withdrawals – Once you turn 72, you’ll be required to take withdrawals from your traditional IRA and 401(k). The Legislation waives these required minimum distributions for 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a tax-deferred basis.

Increase of retirement plan loan limit – Retirement plan investors who qualify for COVID-19 relief can now borrow up to the lesser of $100,000 or the vested balance from their accounts, up from $50,000 or 50% of the vested balance, provided their plan allows loans. We recommend that you explore other options, such as the direct payments, to bridge the gap on current expenses and if you choose to take a plan loan work with your financial adviser to develop strategies to pay back these funds over time to reduce any long-term impact to your retirement goals.

• Small-business loans – Included in the Legislation is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which initially provided $349 billion in federally guaranteed loans to help small businesses – those with 500 or fewer employees – retain workers and avoid closing up shop. The first allocation of funds was quickly depleted; however, Congress authorized an additional $310 billion for the PPP. These loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the loans for payroll and other essential business expenses (such as mortgage interest, rent and utilities) and maintain their payroll during the crisis.

We’ll be in a challenging economic environment for some time, but the Legislation should give us a positive jolt – and brighten our outlook.

Self-care Tips

Self-care during a pandemic

Why is self-care important?

Self-care is important because it helps you develop and maintain an healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive emotions that boosts your self-esteem and confidence. It also serves as a reminder to yourself and those around you that you have needs and they are important.

Self-Care Ideas:

Going outside and smelling the air
Taking a long shower
Walking barefoot in the grass
Playing with your pet
Watch some comedy

Sing out loud
Re-start a hobby you once had
Call your friends
Dance or do yoga
Take a nap
Worship and study your word

Bible Study Notes

Family Unity

Forced to Focus

Wise Living

What to do During a Pandemic

Think On These Things

Life Challenges

Additional Study Resources

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/

Prayer Requests

The Prayer Of Salvation

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.