Coronavirus and the Church
Coronavirus and the Church
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. It is caused by a virus that can also live on surfaces near where an infected person has coughed, sneezed or exhaled. It has spread throughout the world in the first quarter of 2020, causing illness, and, in some cases, death. Its effects in various countries and localities have ranged from cancelations of public gatherings, to limits or bans on travel, to drops in financial markets.
Like other organizations, churches must take appropriate health precautions. We also have a special responsibility to care for members and neighbors. This web page contains information that all settings of the United Church of Christ – local churches, associations, conferences and national ministries – have contributed to and may find useful. Resources also come from our ecumenical partners and respected health organizations.
Help for Churches in Responding Immediately
A Faithful Response, with Worship, to the Coronavirus (Google Docs)
A broad list of tips and suggestions from UCC Justice and Local Church Ministries, ranging from liturgical resources to copyright info. to links to recorded videoconferences
Pastoral Care for Grieving Families (Google Docs)
Some considered thoughts from the United Church of Christ, National Setting, 2030 clergy network, Cohort, and digital pastors.
Flier / bulletin insert: Coronavirus and the Church (PDF)
From UCC Disaster Ministries
Pandemic Preparations Checklist (PDF)
By the Disaster Resource and Response Team, Southern New England Conference, UCC.
Cleaning and disinfection recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Ideas for Home Church Groups (PDF)
From Wellesley (Mass.) Congregational Church, UCC
Memo on Communion Precautions (PDF)
By the Metro Boston Hope District of the New England Conference, United Methodist Church
A Concise Coronavirus Guide for Churches
Free Coronavirus guide for churches from Christianity Today
Guidance for Congregations (PDF)
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Guidance for Churches
from the Wisconsin Council of Churches
How to Offer Worship Online
Advice on Online Worship (PDF)
From Marcia McFee of Worship Design Studio
COVID-19 Lockdown: Creating Live-streamed Worship in 3 Days
From the website Hacking Christianity
Lessons on Ministry during a Disaster
A Connecticut pastor shares his experiences
Blog Post from Matt Crebbin
Suggestions for Talking to Children
“Children are impacted by moments like these,” says the Rev. Don Remick, one of the UCC Southern New England Conference’s bridge Conference ministers. “Even if they aren’t watching the news, they’re picking it up. And they’re picking up the stress of their parents, teachers, family and classmates. You can do a lot to reduce their stress and remove their fears.” He suggests:
Resources for Talking with Kids about COVID-19
From the Washington School-Based Health Alliance, Seattle
Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
From the Child Mind Institute
Resources for Individuals and Families
With links to tips from FEMA, the Red Cross, Mr. Rogers and others, via the UCC Southern New England Conference website
Legislative Updates
From the United Church of Christ Office of General Counsel:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (March 19, 2020)
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary (March 19, 2020)
Statements by Church Leaders
From the World Council of Churches (March 18, 2020)
From the Southwest Conference UCC to churches (March 17, 2020)
From the Officers of the United Church of Christ (March 13, 2020)
From the World Council of Churches (March 13, 2020)
From the Maine Conference (March 13, 2020)
From the Massachusetts Council of Churches (March 12, 2020)
From the Heartland Conference UCC to churches (March 12,2020)
From the North California Nevada Conference Minister (March 12, 2020)
From the Minnesota Conference UCC to churches (March 11, 2020)
From the Southeast Conference UCC to churches (March 11, 2020)
From the Penn Central Conference UCC to churches (March 11, 2020)
From the Pacific Northwest Conference, UCC (March 7, 2020)
From the Rev. Traci Blackmon, UCC Associate General Minister (Feb. 28, 2020)
UCC News Articles
From homeless shelter decisions to online worship, Denver church learning as it goes amid pandemic
United Church News, March 21, 2020
The Church House closes, but the UCC national staff is working virtually until further notice
United Church News, March 20, 2020
Small Ohio church finds a way to fight hunger, continue meals despite virus
United Church News, March 20, 2020
Omaha pastor shares COVID-19 diagnosis during online worship service
United Church News, March 17, 2020
Moving worship online during pandemic, UCC churches offer pastoral touches, prophetic voices
United Church News, March 17, 2020
UCC churches establish protocols, preach awareness, not panic as COVID-19 cases grow
United Church News, March 9, 2020
Church leaders urge education, caution and common sense as U.S. coronavirus cases increase
United Church News, Feb. 28, 2020
UCC joins ecumenical effort to send medical supplies to China to combat coronavirus
United Church News, Jan. 29, 2020
General Resources – and Separating Fact from Fiction
Regularly updated information and tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Regularly updated information and tips from the World Health Organization
A Family Doctor Helps Separate Fact from Fiction (video)
In this 5-minute video from Colorado’s Southwest Health System, Dr. Peter Lin explains how the coronavirus spreads, how to minimize transmission and who’s at risk
What This Doctor Wants Us to Know About Our Fears Regarding Coronavirus (March 11, 2020)
An article by Dr. Abdu Sharkaway, an infectious disease specialist, via Thrive Global
Resisting the Pandemic of Prejudice
By Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Vice President of Research and Development, the Search Institute
Faith, Common Sense and Reducing Panic (Feb. 12, 2020)
By Deborah Ringen, Transitional Minister of Health and Wellness, Southern New England Conference, UCC
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
All about clean hands, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
From the Henry the Hand Foundation, devoted to promoting “Four Principles of Hand Awareness”
How to make hand sanitizer with ingredients in the home, via Syracuse.com
Avoiding Scams
“Another danger of pandemics is people taking advantage,” says the Rev. Don Remick, one of the UCC Southern New England Conference’s bridge Conference ministers. He lists these possible scams to watch out for:
- Phishing emails from cyber-criminals posing as reputed organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). These emails contain a malicious file attachment that claims to be useful information about coronavirus. When the unsuspecting victim opens the attachment, malware is installed on their PC.
- Phishing emails prompting the recipient to enter their login credentials into a web site to access information about coronavirus. Once entered, the login credentials are stolen by the threat actors.
- Fraudulent charities that use legitimate social media sites to ask for donations for charitable causes related to the virus.
- Non-Delivery Frauds – fraudulent advertisements for medical supplies such as medical masks, gloves, disinfectants, etc. The fraudulent company will ask for upfront payment and will never deliver the ordered products. Be cautious when ordering such supplies online.