Coronavirus
Coronavirus
Top Things We Think You Should Know:
1. Guidance for Phasing Forward to In-Person Gatherings
2. Conference Ministers Speak Out on Racial Disparity of COVID-19 Impact
3. Goo a blog by Rev. Don Remick on spirituality and the butterfly metaphor, July 10, 2020
Coronavirus Response Resources
This is an ever changing document of resources, advice and prayers. In it you will see the hope we share in Jesus. Thank you for making this possible with your gifts.
Website Sections:
- Phasing Forward
- Finances, CARES and PPP Loans, UCC Insurance Info, & Conducting Business
- Outreach Ideas and Resources
- Pastoral Care, Self-Care, Mental Health Resources
- Resources for Ministry with Children, Youth and Families
- Worship & Nurturing Community Online
- Grief Resources, and a Page for Remembering Loved Ones
On this page:
- The Big Picture: What Does this Mean for the Future of the Church?
- Covid-19 Physical Health Updates
- What our Siblings are Doing
- Information for Committees on Ministry, Transitions, and Search and Call
- Scams & Warnings
Additional resources:
- www.ucc.org/coronavirus - Another excellent source of information and resources.
- Covid-19 Resource Guide from the Insurance Board
- Covid-19 Liability FAQ from the Insurance Board
The Big Picture
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Harvard Business Review: The Psychology Behind Effective Crisis Leadership
Harvard Business Review: Leading and Working Through a Pandemic -
Racism in the Time of COVID-19 by Zinzi Bailey, Sharrelle Barber, Whitney Robinson, Jaime Slaughter-Acey, Chandra Ford, Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson
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For Hospital Chaplains, Coronavirus Has Shifted Spiritual Care, US News and World Report
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Discipleship in the Time of Pandemic Bridge Conference Minister Marilyn Kendrix talks about how the pandemic has served to reveal much about economic inequity in our nation. March 30
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Transition or Transformation? David Cleaver-Bartholomew writes: I frequently hear people express their strong desire for us to transition out of this pandemic and return to basically what life was before it struck. While I completely understand this, I humbly disagree. March 27
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Coronavirus: The good that can come out of an upside-down world BBC article to help think about church on the other side of the pandemic. March 30
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Crisis Can Help Us Reorient What We Prize Sojourners article by former MACUCC Conference Minister Jim Antal, the UCC's Special advisor on Climate Justice. March 26
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You’ve Been Innovating! Suzi Townsley writes: the crisis has all of us needing to focus on our purpose and how we can deliver on that in creative ways. March 24
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Essentials Kent Siladi writes: Our congregations and places of worship are an essential part of society. March 23
(Find all blog posts and reflections related to the pandemic here)
Covid19 Health Updates
- Coronavirus resources for congregations
from UCC Disaster Ministries
- UCC DAILY COVID-19 BRIEFING- COVID-19 Daily Briefing from UCC's Humanitarian and Development Team separates facts from falsehoods and fear, supplying valuable information throughout the duration of the pandemic crisis.
- Coronavirus Resources from The Council for Health & Human Service Ministries - Excellent format and links
- Centers for Disease Control - Coronavirus Webpage
- World Health Organization - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Partner Toolkit
- How to wear a mask properly
- Some state health department webpages:
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Healthroid: Here’s What We Learned About Coronavirus Disease 2019
Comprehensive resource with up to date and current and vital COVID-19 info. -
Many agencies are providing subscriptions to daily updates. They may be worth considering. For example: New York Times Coronavirus Briefing
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Video - Dr. Peter Lin helps separate fact from fiction on the Coronavirus, explaining how the virus spreads, based on the most-current information, and how to minimize transmission and who’s at risk. (Takes 5 min.)
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This is not a time to be caught up in a wave of panic that could easily spread across our country and our globe. There is a healthy balance of caution and perspective. These insights could help: What This Doctor Wants Us to Know About Our Fears Regarding Coronavirus. (March 11, 2020)
- Pandemic Preparations Checklist (PDF)
by the SNEUCC Disaster Resource and Response Team
- Disaster Team gives tips for churches dealing with the 2013 influenza outbreak
MACUCC, Jan. 10, 2013
Cleaning Guides
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Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes from the CDC
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Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection from the CDC - updated by CDC 4/28/2020
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PSA: Safe Grocery Shopping in COVID-19 Pandemic (YouTube video)
What our Siblings Are Doing
- Guidance from the New England Quakers
- UUA Covid19 page
- A letter from UU church leadership in Buffalo, NY to the congregation July 10, 2020
- Guidance for Congregations (PDF)
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Guidance for Churches
from the Wisconsin Council of Churches - The Massachusetts Council of Churches includes members of faith traditions throughout New England. They have been gathering ideas from all of our siblings in faith on a variety of topics from updates, to worship, to spiritual care and beyond. You can find their resources and shared ideas here.
Information for Committees on Ministry, Transitions, and Search and Call
MESA (Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization at UCC national) has created a number of resources for the Church on behalf of the national setting during this pandemic which are specific to Committees on Ministry, transitions, and search and call. These links will also be available shortly at the UCC’s Coronavirus Resource Page.
- MESA Revised Guidelines for Committees on Ministry in a Pandemic Season – offers general resources, special notes for Fitness Reviews, Members in Discernment, and Ministers in Specialized Settings.
- Pastoral Ministry Beginnings and Endings in a Pandemic Season – offers some notes for ministers and congregations beginning and ending ministry during this season.
- Conducting a Pastoral Search in a Pandemic Season – offers tools and practical tips for search committees seeking pastoral leadership during this time.
- As Churches Consider Re-Opening Their Buildings For Worship – offers theological and practical reflections for congregational leadership as they discern when it might be safe to open buildings.
- Ordination in a Pandemic Season - offers resources for Conference Staff, Committees on Ministry, and Associations as they consider ordination in this pandemic season.
Scams and Warnings:
- Beware of Zoombombing Blog by Tiffany Vail
- CISA’s Hometown Security program
- SCAMS: Another danger of pandemics is people taking advantage. Please watch out for Coronavirus related scams, such as phishing emails from cyber-criminals posing as reputed organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). When the unsuspecting victim opens the attachment, malware is installed on their PC. Phishing emails prompting the recipient to enter their login credentials into a web site to access information about coronavirus. Once entered, the login credentials are stolen by the threat actors. Fraudulent charities that use legitimate social media sites to ask for donations for charitable causes related to the virus. Non-Delivery Frauds – fraudulent advertisements for medical supplies such as medical masks, gloves, disinfectants,etc. The fraudulent company will ask for upfront payment and will never deliver the ordered products. Be cautious when ordering such supplies online. Please be vigilant.