Faith Communities and COVID-19

Tips and resources for members and congregations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Please consult local, provincial, and federal public health agencies for the latest updates on COVID-19 that may affect your community of faith. Below are some resources to support you. Ministry personnel who are seeking support and resources during the pandemic can consult their regional council for assistance that fits with provincial health requirements and regulations. Remember: We are not alone.

Credit: mattthewafflecat, Pixabay

The United Church is accepting donations to support those in the global South who are at greater risk than ever due to COVID-19. Find out how Mission & Service partners are turning compassion into action for those who need it most. The World Council of Churches has collected prayers from around the globe for use during the pandemic.

Emergency Funding for Congregations
The Government of Canada, the General Council, and regional councils are offering support to congregations to manage their finances in this unprecedented time of pandemic.
- Make a Plan
  Assess your congregation’s situation, take short-term actions to increase cashflow, and set up online capability to help get through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Government Emergency Programs
  Eligibility criteria and other details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) (extended to Oct. 31, 2020), and Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for laid-off staff.
- United Church Emergency Support
  Information on the new United Church emergency loan program during COVID-19, and deferring congregational assessments.
Reopening Churches during COVID-19
Each council makes decisions on reopening for its areas of responsibility. The governing board of each community of faith should consult with its local public health unit, provincial health ministry, and regional council.
- Safety Considerations for Reopening during the Pandemic
  Guidance for those responsible for making decisions in all parts of the church, and things to consider before moving from one phase to another.
- Phase 1: Reopening the Building during the Pandemic
  Small groups may meet in person in small numbers, with social distancing and masks. Worship will continue to be online only, with some exceptions for outdoor worship.
- Phase 2: Reopening In-Person Worship during the Pandemic
  Worship and other activities resume in church buildings, with social distancing and other measures.
- Phase 3: Full Return during the Pandemic
  For worship and other gatherings, you will still need to consider the health and safety regulations of your province.
Governance during the Pandemic
Adapting the work of the church—pastoral relations, employment, congregational meetings, and more—during the pandemic.
Worship Online during COVID-19
Many United Church communities of faith are sharing worship services online during COVID-19. Learn how to find or host an online service, tips on technology and copyright, information about online communion and offering, links to prayers, and more.
Stewardship, Finances, and COVID-19
What communities of faith can do right now to manage the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congregational Finances during the Pandemic image

Congregational Finances during the Pandemic: Wed. Dec. 2

Join Erik Mathiesen and Clyde Wells for a treasurers' session where you can ask us anything.

Congregational Finances during the Pandemic: Wed. Nov. 25

Join Erik Mathiesen and Clyde Wells for a session on preparing for 2021 budget.

Cover of the 2021 Minutes for Mission booklet, renamed Your Generosity Matters

COVID Means Revamping Minutes for Mission

Minutes for Mission is changing in 2021. The new Your Generosity Matters booklet is being mailed to pastoral charges for the new year.

Taking to the Streets to Deliver Meals and Care

Your gifts through Mission & Service support Our Place Society in delivering meals, shelter, and medical care to street-involved people.

Gertrude Fefoame, a panelist in an EDAN disability webinar

Webinar Highlights COVID’s Impact on People with Disabilities

Mission & Service gifts support disability networking, advocacy, and education work within and beyond the United Church.

Congregational Finances during the Pandemic: Wed. Oct. 28

Join Erik Mathiesen and Clyde Wells for a session on preparing for year-end and the latest on federal subsidy programs.

The author, John Egger, wears a pandemic face mask as he takes a selfie before a sign written in Korean in Seoul, Korea.

Struggling to Adjust to COVID-19 in Korea

United Church Co-worker in Mission, John Egger, reports on his experience of ministry in Seoul, Korea during the time of pandemic.

Susan Karea, a farmer in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya

World Food Day Roundup

On World Food Sunday, October 18, join with others across the United Church to respond to hunger and food insecurity.

Members of the Korea-Japan Reconciliation and Peace Platform

Peace-Making Ramps Up as Pandemic Heightens Tensions in Asia

Gifts to Mission & Service support peace and reconciliation processes across the globe, including those between Japan and Korea.

Food Is a Helping Hand to Families in Need

Thanks to your support, Florence Gava’s family received a monthly food ration through June and July when they were most in need. Other families just… continue reading

Downloads

Attachment	Size	Type
The United Church of Canada Emergency Plan (Mar 2020)	550.66 KB	PDF
Are You Ready for a Health Emergency? (Mar 2020)	115.08 KB	PDF
Breaking the Chain: Reducing the Spread of Infection (Mar 2020)	116.94 KB	PDF
Being Faithful during Cold and Flu Season (Mar 2020)	177.2 KB	PDF