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.
Stained glass beside brick wall
GCE Temporarily Amends Pastoral Relations Policies

The Executive of the General Council has temporarily amended pastoral relations policies to allow the governing board, rather than a…

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Grace-Westminster United Church, Saskatoon
Governance in Congregations during COVID-19

With current restrictions on gatherings of people, congregations may need to postpone meetings or hold them through electronic means. Advance…

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Mother and child at Massey Centre, Toronto
Supporting Moms and Babies in Unprecedented Times

The Massey Centre receives support from Mission & Service to help pregnant and parenting adolescents. COVID-19 heaps on new challenges.

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Chaplaincy Prepares for the Unthinkable

The chaplains of Mission & Service‒supported Grey Bruce Healthcare Chaplaincy Council are ready to care for families who can't be with their…

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Prayer in These Critical Times

A prayer for the world during COVID-19 by Bishop Reuel Marigza, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.

Followup to Easter Appeal

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moderator Richard Bott apologizes for a recent Easter letter.

A Prayer for Health Workers During COVID-19

A prayer for those who care for the sick during this difficult time of COVID-19.

Parkland Restorative Justice staff with a client
Offenders Suffer Even More Isolation

Parkland Restorative Justice, a Mission & Service‒supported non-profit, maintains connections with inmates at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary…

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A client receives medical treatment at Our Place, Victoria, BC.
Street-Involved People Are Especially Vulnerable

A Mission & Service‒supported community centre serving Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable, Our Place is bracing for COVID-19 to strike. 

Moderator’s Easter Message 2020

In this time of COVID-19, Moderator Richard Bott's Easter message reminds us that God is always doing miraculous things. We will celebrate those…

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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