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.
    • 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.
  • 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.
Keyhole on door
Closure of Church Buildings in Ontario

In Ontario, church buildings (with some exceptions) have not been named as essential, so Ontario church buildings must be closed. We interpret…

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Path through cemetery
Moderator Asks That Funerals Be Delayed

   Moderator urges communities of faith to consider delaying funerals at this present time.

Bible on ledge
Supporting Staff through the Pandemic

With in-person worship being suspended and rental incomes stopped, some communities of faith may be faced with financial concerns Before making…

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Wheat with sunrise in background
Gratitude for Your Essential Service during COVID-19

   Letter from General Secretary Nora Sanders to ministry personnel and church leaders, 16 March 2020.

The Right Rev. Dr. Richard Bott, 43rd Moderator of The United Church of Canada
Moderator: God Is with Us

   Moderator Richard Bott's letter to communities of faith reminds us that God is with us through COVID-19.

Employment and Pastoral Relationships in the Event of Church Closures

  Some guidance on pastoral relationships and employment in local congregations in the event of church closures in this time of COVID-19.

A Prayer During Times of COVID-19

A prayer during times of COVID-19 by the Right Rev. Richard Bott

Soapy hands
COVID-19: United Church Statement

We urge communities of faith to respond to COVID-19 with compassion, prevention, and prayer, and offer the United Church Emergency Plan to help…

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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