VIRTUAL COMMUNITY
Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched the church adapt and embrace new forms of gathering in an era of social distancing. “Normal” is being re-conceived on a daily basis. In this time when we must practice social distancing, we must create inventive ways to avoid spiritual distancing. Because COVID-19 will eventually be brought under control.
Below are some resources that can be of help to you and your congregation as you create new ways to be community together, be that in worship, gathering, pastoral care, and fellowship.
Until that time when we can gather together, we wish you and your loved ones health, comfort, and peace – along with this timely reminder the game of baseball offers: It’s good to be safe at home.
Coming Back Together as a Congregation Guidelines - CLICK HERE
From the Offices of the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk of Mission Presbytery
Church Worship and Meeting Plans (Google Spreadsheet) -- CLICK HERE
The Present Word Curriculum Online -- CLICK HERE
The publishers of The Present Word are happy to make the current quarter (Spring) available digitally, especially while many groups' books are sitting in their churches. While this is and will remain a printed curriculum series, we understand that many groups continue to meet virtually and hope to help continue those meetings.
Scattered Church Resource Support Survey -- CLICK HERE
Theology, Formation and Evangelism in the Presbyterian Mission Agency is announcing a way to support faith communities in a time of pandemic where many are worshiping and participating in faith formation from home. We recognize that churches and worshiping communities have had to pivot their ministries during the pandemic. We are pivoting as well, using an endowment made possible from generous donors to help you purchase a few resources through our partner, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. We are able to offer a limited number of one or more of the following products to churches and worshiping communities that have need (Limit 10 for each resource OR Limit 30 total):
- Growing in God’s Love Storybook Bible
- Glory to God Hymnal
- The Book of Common Worship, Daily Prayer*
Please complete the survey below to let us know which of these resources would be useful to your community. We will contact you with instructions for placing your order with the PC(USA) Store and send you a code that covers the cost of the resources and shipping. These must be placed as new orders since we are unable to reimburse for any resources purchased without this code.
Online Giving in the Year 2020 -- CLICK HERE
A resource from WorshipTimes.org
For electronic meetings and online worship services
Zoom Video Conferencing (free for up to 100 participants for 40-minute meetings): https://zoom.us/
How to get Zoom and other products at 50% through Websoup - CLICK HERE
Free Conference Call: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/
For Online Giving: https://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/onlinegiving/
For copyright licenses for songs: https://www.onelicense.net/
How to live stream, hosted by Ed Sackett: https://youtu.be/8B6wXwcCVsY
Video tutorial on how to use ZOOM by Tricia Tedrow:
Video tutorial on "How to Set Up and Host a Zoom Meeting":
Protocols for Electronic Meetings and E-Voting: CLICK HERE
Public Domain Hymns from Glory to God Hymnal: CLICK HERE
UPDATED on 3/24/20: Advisory Opinion - Communion in an Emergency/Pandemic: CLICK HERE
Resources and Information
Churches Can Tap Into Their Share of the CARES Act - CLICK HERE
BOP Offers COVID-19 Relief to Churches and Employers - CLICK HERE
Resources from Presbyterian Foundation: CLICK HERE
Resources from Mission Presbytery Disaster Preparedness & Assistance Committee: CLICK HERE
Information from the Board of Pensions: CLICK HERE
For Ongoing Spiritual and Mental Health Care:
Pastoral Message from the Office of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Presbyterian Mission Agency: CLICK HERE
Illustrated Ministry (offering free weekly resources): https://www.illustratedministry.com/
Daily Prayer App from the PCUSA: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/daily-prayer/
Daily Devotionals (great for youth and families): https://d365.org/
Mental Well-Being during a Pandemic from Presbyterian Mental Health Network: CLICK HERE