Additional Resources

It is critically important that we all turn to credible sources for information during this ever-changing time. Please visit the following sites for detailed and updated information:

Safety Items Purchasing Resource for Ministries

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s group purchasing arrangement with Office Depot makes it possible for your church and/or school to get discounted prices on face masks, infrared thermometers, sanitizers and other items necessary to open up safely.

For LCMS organizations that already have an account set up through the LCMS Group Purchasing Agreement, those discounts are available using the designated website: www.business.officedepot.com

For example, Office Depot has pricing for 4 different types of masks in stock and ready for next-day delivery nationwide:
  • #9825375 - Sunsmed Protective Products 3-Ply Pleated Face Mask, Adult, One Size, Box of 50 $39.99
  • #4497729 - JCJZ 3-Ply Pleated Face Mask, Adult, One Size, Box of 50 $39.50
  • #5611072 - LifeToGo 3-Ply Disposable Face Mask, Adult, One Size, Box of 50 $39.50
  • #4993682 - Kata 3-Ply Pleated Face Mask, Adult, One Size, Box of 50 $39.50
If you are an LCMS church/school that needs to set up an account, please contact Becky Fluchel, Office Depot’s Account Manager for the LCMS.

Becky’s contact information:

“Return to Work” Resources for Ministries

CPS is partnering with Mammoth HR, a third-party vendor to deliver HR services and resources to LCMS ministries. They have made the following resources available.*

  • Return to Work checklist, with information your ministry should consider related to leave policies, hiring practices and policies, work from home and childcare policies and more. Additional considerations for health and safety and additional best practices for leaders are included.
  • A Welcome Back letter template that can be adjusted for your ministry’s needs.
  • Additional resources are available at no cost on their COVID-19 Crisis Response Center website. The site features additional sample forms and letters, videos explaining key tasks your ministry may need to undertake and more.

Cigna has provided a Resources for Reopening document that addresses how your ministry can reduce the risk of COVID 19 infection at your workplace, what to do if an employee has COVID-19 symptoms, when employees can return to work if they have demonstrated symptoms and more. The resource also includes information about scams and fraud attempts to be aware of.

* Similar HR resources would be provided regularly to any ministry that subscribes to this new HR service. Contact your account manager for more information.
 

HR Services from CPS Provided at No Cost

A Free, Reliable HR Resource for Ministries

Laws and employer responsibilities are changing every day. HR Services provides up-to-date information related to the COVID-19 virus including legislative updates on the federal, state and local levels. Concordia Plan Services is offering HR Services to all our ministries free for the months of April and May. For more information contact your Account Manager.
 

LCMS Resources

  • LCMS.org, which includes messages from President Harrison as well as resources for ministries and members as we react to this pandemic as Lutheran Christians.
  • Rostered church workers: Are you a current borrower with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)? LCEF has a dedicated team to answer all of your questions. For more information visit the lending team’s siteor call 800-843-5233.
  • The Lutheran Church Extension Fund offers e-tithing and e-tuition payments through the Joyful Response program, a free stewardship service for LCMS congregations, schools and registered service organizations (RSOs).Joyful Response allows your members to give one-time gifts or recurring tithe on your church website or by a mobile phone app For a small fee, text giving can be set up (charged to the congregation). For more information, go to https://lcef.org/joyful-response/ or call LCEF at 800-843-5233.
  • The LCMS Foundation has published a Frequently Asked Questions page for both ministries and members. The pages include information about how the Foundation is addressing market changes and investments, how endowments are affected by market changes, how members can make gifts or additions to their accounts and more. Access the ministry FAQ and the member FAQ here.

My Health

  • All telehealth visits* for any reason (including non-COVID) are covered at 100 percent, including for members in high deductible plans. Find the Telehealth solution for your plan option.

    *Through CPS-approved telehealth vendors. Meetings with your doctors through Zoom or other video chat services are covered with your regular cost-sharing and deductibles.

  • You can also use these NEW telehealth benefits that are always free for you as part of your Concordia Health Plan:

     

    24/7 text-based medical care with 98point6

    • 24/7 text-based access.
    • No appointments, no travel, no waiting room.
    • Zero cost to you - even if you're in a high deductible health plan.
    • Quality, personalized care from board-certified physicians.
    • Private and secure in-app messaging-based experience.
    • Photo, video and voice support when needed.
    • Range of care, including medical questions, diagnosis, treatment, prescription, mental health support, referrals and more!

    Click here to learn more.

     

    Virtual Physical Therapy with SWORD

    • Combines the best in human care with easy-to-use technology to provide a more convenient option than traditional in-person physical therapy.
    • Includes a tablet, motion sensors, and access to a licensed physical therapist who will design your personalized program and be there to support you every step of the way.
    • Treats pain for the lower back, shoulder, neck, hip, knee, elbow and ankle.

    Click here to learn more.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has the most reliable information about the disease at CDC.gov. You can also visit pages specifically developed for schools and faith-based organizations.
  • The web sites of several of our healthcare administrators have detailed information about the disease and steps you can take to protect and care for yourself and your family. Visit Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cigna, United Healthcare (UMR), Kaiser Permanente and Express Scripts for more detailed information.
  • Engaging healthy habits while social distancing

Financial Wellness

Emotional Wellness

Legal Resources

The Lutheran Legal League (L3) is an organization of actively practicing attorneys who regularly attend an LCMS church and have offered to speak with LCMS churches and members about issues related to COVID-19 legislation, including loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. L3 is not a referral company, but rather an organization that wants to serve God by helping fellow brothers and sisters within the LCMS. Visit their web site for their phone number or to submit a message to L3.

 

The information about the Lutheran Legal League contained on this website does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Concordia Plan Services. It is your responsibility to investigate and verify providers and services. Concordia Plan Services assumes no liability of any kind for the content of any information transmitted to or received by any person in connection with the person’s use of the Lutheran Legal League or of any or its members . Also, references on this web site to any specific commercial product, process, information, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Concordia Plan Services.

Covid-19 Resource Center

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