The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is extending deeply into our life together as the church. In this unprecedented time, the blow to the U.S. economy is having a profound impact on clergy and lay people in the New England Conference. 

While government actions provide assistance to many, there remain gaps; many faithful pastors and people in our pews are unable to benefit from the safety net of governmental action. 

The Zarephath Emergency Relief Fund is intended to assist the conference’s most vulnerable congregations in this moment. The Zarephath Emergency Relief Fund is not intended to support congregations that have other sources of assistance.

Through local UMC congregations, the Zarephath Emergency Relief Fund will provide grants to those for whom other sources of assistance are not available.

This fund will prioritize assistance as follows:

Applications for urgent assistance from the Fund, due to the impact of COVID-19, may be made by a local church pastor, church treasurer, or lay leader via email or letter to their District Superintendent. 

NOTE: The District Superintendent will review the applications then forward recommended applications to the Zarephath Emergency Relief Fund Review Committee. The committee includes representatives from the Conference, the United Methodist Foundation of New England and the Preachers’ Aid Society.