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.
Covid-19 Virus
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.
    • 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.
  • 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.
  • Governance during the Pandemic
    Adapting the work of the church—pastoral relations, employment, congregational meetings, and more—during the pandemic.
  • Tools for Worship during COVID-19
    Suggestions on using technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, music copyright, and more.
  • 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.
Korean mother and baby
When Sprinkles Save Lives

Every day, First Steps—a partner supported by Mission & Service—works to prevent child malnutrition in North Korea.

Amei on her land in South Sudan
Hungry and Alone, Generosity Changed Amei’s Life

In South Sudan, Amei no longer worries about dying of hunger thanks to the support of United Church partner the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Jim Hodgson with children in Los Altos, Bolivia
Millions of Latin Americans Face Extreme Poverty and Hunger

In Latin America, the new epicentre of the coronavirus, an estimated 83.4 million people could slide into extreme poverty and hunger this year.

Participants at General Council 43 in Oshawa, ON, in July 2018
General Council 44 Has Been Postponed

 In light of concerns around COVID-19, the decision has been made to postpone GC44, previously slated for July 2021 in Calgary, AB, to 2022.

Airplane flying over mountains
Generosity Takes Flight during Pandemic

Staff of three regional councils decided to donate $2,500 each in staff travel savings to support the world’s most vulnerable through the COVID-19…

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A group of people sitting at tables holding their arms in the air.
Possible Postponement of General Council 44

Commissioners of the 43rd General Council will meet on June 20, 2020 to consider moving General Council 44 from 2021 to 2022 due to the COVID-19…

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Outdoor blackboard inviting people to write what they're grateful for
Church Grounds Bring Hope during COVID-19

Through artistic installations, Mount Forest United Church in Mount Forest, ON, is actively sharing the Christian message.

Moderator Richard Bott holds a sign that says "poverty is wrong, in a world this abundant" and stands to the left of a colleague from the Canadian Council of Churches.
“Seize the Moment” for a Universal Basic Income in Canada

Moderator Richard Bott has written to Canadian government officials to ask them to move forward with developing and implementing a universal basic…

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At Beaconsfield United Church, Adedeji prepares to deliver food to newcomers.
Committed Churches Support Newcomers through Pandemic

With support from a grant from Embracing the Spirit, a Mission & Service‒supported fund, Beaconsfield United Church’s Nigerian Refugee…

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Noah at Camp Caterpillar, SK
Camps Inspire through Creativity and Care Despite Pandemic

While physical distancing protocols are forcing United Church outdoor ministries to consider closing their cabins this summer, some are preparing…

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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