Through collaboration with UCC Wellness Ministries, SNEUCC Health and Wellness Ministry offers this resource list to help clergy and congregations in making decisions related to the changing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the UCC Wellness Ministries Network, our mission is to inspire, enable, and empower everyone to experience wellness throughout their lives. We know that the needs of congregations and communities vary throughout the nation. The information offered here is from recognized, reliable resources.
Because the pandemic is changing quickly, we encourage you to check these sites frequently for updated information. We pray that you will utilize these resources as you prayerfully discern what is safest and healthiest for you and your congregation.
If you’d like to receive updates via email, you can sign up for our newsletter here.
FAQs
- In Person Worship
- The key points listed in the CDC guidance include:
- Vaccination when eligible
- Universal masking meaning everyone age 2 and older wears a mask in a school building whether they are vaccinated or not.
- Follow CDC quarantine and isolation guidance.
- Physical distancing of at least 3 feet
- Screening for symptoms, testing,
- Ventilation
- Handwashing
- Contact tracing
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- STAY HOME WHEN SICK - everyone
- The key points listed in the CDC guidance include:
- Singing
- Vaccine Requirements
- Can we require staff to have a vaccine, or can churches require a vaccine for entry?
- https://www.ucc.org/can-churches-require-covid-19-vaccinations by Heather Kimmel
- The Insurance board provides this FAQ https://www.insuranceboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ALL-PHASES-COVID-19-Liability-FAQ-Insurance-Board21.pdf
- Trending HR Considerations for Ministries from the UCC Pension Board; a webinar on January 28, 2022 at 2pm EST- you can still register to view this webinar.
- Can we require staff to have a vaccine, or can churches require a vaccine for entry?
- Testing
- Order four free test kits per household online at:
- What to do if someone tests positive
- When Someone in Worship Tests Positive for COVID-19: https://www.sneucc.org/blogdetail/when-someone-in-worship-tests-positive-for-covid-19-15803642
- Quarantine and Isolation Updated Jan. 27, 2022, There is a simple chart to follow to advise when to quarantine and when to isolate. Quarantine if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Stay away from others. If you are:
- Not fully vaccinated: stay home for 5 full days and wear a mask if you are around others in your home. Get tested at least 5 days after the close contact. Continue to watch for symptoms for at least 10 days after the date of exposure. Wear a mask around others at home and in public for 10 full days. If you develop symptoms, then isolate and get tested. Wear a mask around others and stay home until you get the results.
- Fully Vaccinated or tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days then you do not have to stay home if you do not have symptoms. Get tested 5 days after the close contact. Monitor for symptoms and wear a well fitted mask for 10 days when around others at home or in public. If symptoms develop, isolate, and get tested, avoid travel and keep away from people who are at high risk of illness.
- Isolate if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms.
- Vaccines & Booster
- CDC Get your booster shot: Updated January 7, 2022, Bring your COVID-19 vaccine card with you.
- Pfizer – everyone over 12 years of age can get a booster if it has 5 months since the second dose of Pfizer. You can choose Pfizer or Moderna if over age 18, ages 12-17 get the Pfizer booster shot.
- Moderna - Adults 18 and older are eligible for a booster dose 5 months after completing the second dose. You may choose Pfizer or Moderna.
- Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen – Adults 18 and older are eligible for a booster dose at least 2 months after the first dose. Pfizer or Moderna are recommended.
- Masking Updates
- CDC Omicron Variant: What you Need to Know
- “CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.”
- Childcare/Sunday School
- Look to your school district or the state department of education
- CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K- 12 Schools. Updated Jan. 13, 2022
- National
- OSHA
- UCC Insurance Board
- CDC
- Reliable sources for tracking data
What other faith bodies are saying:
- Wisconsin Council of Churches
- UU
COVID-19 Gathering Guidance Responding to Emerging Variants of Concern January 5, 2022
- Disciples of Christ
Local Conference Resources
Looking to God’s Word
- Love God, neighbor
- Colossians 3:12
- "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Caring for the Whole Person
- Mental Health Resources
- UCC Mental Health Network
- Suicide Hotline
- UCC Harm Reduction & Substance Use
- Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662 HELP (4357)
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services/ Mobile Crisis CT: 211
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center: COVID-19
- NAMI: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
- AA/Alanon
- Domestic Violence Hotline
- Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery: Lesli Remaly
Other Resources:
COVID-19 Indoor Air Quality: Best Practices for Houses of Worship (3/10/21) Video from Mass. Interfaith Power & Light. Curt Freedman, Professional Engineer and adjunct professor at Western New England University provides an overview of the factors houses of worship should consider as they plan to resume in-person worship. How to calculate capacity of the sanctuary, improving ventilation, use of filters and air purifiers and other topics.