Navigating through this unknown territory of pandemic may limit us in the usual ways of offering ministry, however there are still opportunities to serve. Updating parish lists, setting up Facebook pages, establishing e-mail newsletters and engaging youth are just a few options for connecting with people.
We are including some of the better information links we have found. These are more general, varied and are from reliable sources. If you have others to suggest e-mail us. COVID - 19 Resources E-mail
Visit our Diocesan Facebook page for more: Diocese of NS & PE Facebook page
COVID-19: WHAT IT MEANS FOR NOVA SCOTIANS
Public health directives to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Includes gathering restrictions, drive-in religious services, childcare, employers’ obligations, etc. COVID - 19 - Nova Scotia Public Health Directives
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - WORSHIP SERVICES GUIDANCE
Public health directives, including core measures, in-person worship gatherings, drive-in worship gatherings, etc. PEI - Health & Wellness - Worship Services
PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA: COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE
Public Health Services Canada - COVID-19ovid-19.html
REOPENING BRINGS NEW CHALLENGES FOR ALTAR GUILDS
Church leaders are thinking about reopening their buildings for small public gatherings. New procedures for cleaning and disinfecting are required. Altar Guilds have a special role as we develop heightened sanitizing practices to keep people safe and healthy. An article by Neva Rae Fox, June 9, 2020, in Living Church. Reopening Churches - Altar Guilds
COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR CHURCHES – CHURCH OF ENGLAND
A variety of articles and links to address health and safety, pastoral care and worship life. Includes documents for keeping church buildings clean and a risk assessment template for contractors and construction workers. Church of England - COVID-19 Guidance
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!
We are in the midst of a change of era during this pandemic and yet the Holy Spirit is presenting some new possibilities to local churches. Read Thom Rainer's article, Five Reasons Churches Will Have an Incredible Window of Opportunity. Reasons Churches Have Incredible Opportunity
COMMITTING TO A HYBRID MODEL OF MINISTRY
Author and minister, Tom Berlin says churches will likely need a hybrid ministry model with a mix of in-person and online ministry for some time. He shares thoughts on how churches can embrace this approach and focus their efforts as they move forward. An article from Lewis Centre for Church Leadership, Leading Ideas, June 10, 2020. Hybrid Model of Ministry
PIONEERING LEADERS: TAKING STEPS INTO A POST COVID-19 WORLD
In a post-COVID-19 world, pioneering leaders will look at the data, think about the timing, take the appropriate precautions, and then go. An article by Jesse Tink (The Unstuck Group) outlining some hallmarks of pioneers—ordinary people who decide that they are going to figure out the uncertainty as they go. Pioneering Leaders article
HOW TO KEEP A LOCKED-DOWN CHURCH IN MISSION
During this time of lockdown, something significant is happening ‘out there’. And it offers every church a simple way for their members to touch lives and grow as followers of Jesus in the process. Watch this 8 minute YouTube video from Michael Harvey, author of Creating a Culture of Invitation in Your Church and founder of the Back-to-Church Sunday movement. ACORN in the time of virus
KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE RESUMING IN-PERSON GATHERINGS
Many congregations are eager to reopen their buildings and resume in-person worship services, but it’s important to resist the temptation to rush back before it’s safe. The Lewis Center staff has assembled this list of key questions to consider before a church can safely resume gathering. Key Questions Before Reopening - Lewis Ctr
SPIRITUAL, WORSHIP RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL & CONGREGATIONAL WELL-BEING
A variety of articles, pastoral supports, worship ideas, etc. from The Canadian Poverty Institute (Ambrose University, Calgary, AB). Poverty Institute - Spiritual Resources
THE CHURCH'S ROLE IN A PANDEMIC
An article posted on Sojourners website, written by Tiffany Firebaugh, March 12, 2020. Church's Role in Pandemic - Sojourners
A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE AND WITNESS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
An article published by Wycliffe College (Toronto, ON), written by Annette Brownlee, Chaplain, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of Field Education at Wycliffe College. A Christian Response - Wycliffe College