Books

Emerging from Covid

Building Faith from Virginia Theological Seminary offers this Liturgy for Regathering in the Sanctuary - for returning post-Covid and for other times when sanctuary worship has been forestalled.

Convergence offers the on-demand course How to Do Hybrid Worship with Jim Keat:

A 3-week cohort exploring tips, tricks, and best practices for what it means to be a hybrid church.

Live sessions: May 12, 19, 26 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM ET

All sessions will be recorded and available to watch on demand.

Nuns & Nones provide an excellent article on emerging from Covid-19 and an interactive resource guide for creating ritual to help us move - individually and collectively - into the future "with little luggage, ready to imagine another world."

Coming Back Together: Church and Consent Culture in 2021 by Meta Herrick Carlson, Jan. 6, 2021 and Diana Butler Bass's Religion after Pandemic.

Lewis Center for Church Leadership has a growing list of Covid-19-related resources on topics of Social Action, Stewardship, Technology, and Hospitality.

7 Reasons You Must Not Abandon Your Online Services

Thom Rainer says it is a mistake for churches to give up their digital or streaming services after returning to in-person worship. He outlines seven reasons online worship can augment your place-based worship and reach the community.

Covid-19 Advisories

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance from FEMA: FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. Applications will be accepted starting April 12. Please share this resource with loved ones of those who passed away of COVID and had a funeral at your church.

Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities COVID-19 Updates - Mar 8; Mar 10

Relevant documents are

MN State Guidance Overview

Blogs, Podcasts & Articles

Preaching Strategies for a Post-Pandemic Church

There’s No Going Back to the Pre-Pandemic Church

Kay Kotan says many churches feel a natural desire to return to the familiar, comfortable patterns of the past. But churches that embrace this time of disruption as a catalyst for lasting change are most likely to be vital in the post-pandemic world.

“Imagining a Hybrid Future” featuring Rosario Picardo

How can a church develop hybrid ministry that connects both with those in the room and those who will never enter your church building? Rosario Picardo, one of the authors of a new book on ministry in the digital age, discusses how churches can continue to develop online ministry while resuming in-person ministries in the post-pandemic age.

5 reasons to make much of post-COVID fall 2021 by Ben Ingebretson

suggests What to Bring out of Quarantine with helpful leading questions

Letters from Outside the Camp from Fr. Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation offer insights and wisdom for moving through this apocalyptic time.

Judicatory & Other Denominational Guidelines

The WI Council of Churches offers these important and thoughtful Returning to Church guidelines and suggestions; dated 05.13.21.

Interfaith leaders offer pandemic prayer

The leaders of more than a dozen judicatories in Minnesota, including Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce R. Ough, crafted a joint statement voicing concern about the increase in COVID-19 cases and urging Minnesotans to serve their communities, partner with neighbors and health care workers, and make changes that will save lives.

offers their Covid-19 Response which includes Phased Regathering Plans for Churches and Re-Opening Considerations. Bishop Ough's Conference Regathering Plan Moves to Orange may be helpful in decision-making.

offers links to worship resources, preaching/sermon videos, Sample Policies for reopening, and guidance for Congregational Life.

offers QUESTIONS/PRACTICES to CONSIDER BEFORE RESUMING IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES- LINKS

Worship: Covid Considerations