Life in a new era of pandemic is disturbing to us all. Many people are coping with high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. Others may be facing serious illness, battling addictions, fearing job loss, dealing with financial troubles or grieving. Even though we cannot be physically close, there are ways to connect, listen and show that we care. Explore these resources to see how you and/or your congregation can respond with the compassionate heart of Christ.
10 GUIDELINES FOR PASTORAL CARE DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK
How can we accompany people through this valley of anxiety, fear, and death? Article by Eileen R. Campbell-Reed in The Christian Century website. Guidelines Pastoral Care - The Christian Century
GRIEFSHARE
Start a group. Find a group. GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each session has three distinct elements: video seminar with experts, support group discussion with focus, and personal study and reflection. Want to know more? Contact Rev. Cheryl Rafuse at griefsharegroup@gmail.com Vist the website: GriefShare
SUPPORTING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH – The Church of England
Thirteen themed daily reflections written by Professor Chris Cook and accompanied by "have a go" habits developed by Ruth Rice. Given the challenging times we are living in with coronavirus, the booklet of reflections seek to provide hope, reassurance and comfort. (Free downloadable PDF) Mental Health Resources - Good Mental Health
DOMESTIC ABUSE AND COVID-19
How Churches can respond. A variety of articles and resources from the Anglican Communion website. Gender Justice link
BEYOND LIVESTREAM WORSHIP: Keeping Faith Communities Connected
Posted by ECF Vital Practices (Episcopal Church Foundation), written by Ken Howard, a congregational development and missional consultant in the Episcopal Church. Beyond Livestream - ECFVP
CORONAVIRUS, ANXIETY, CHILDREN & THE CHURCH
Explore the long-term impact of how we manage and narrate pastoral responses to this pandemic, particularly where children are involved, so as to not allow adult anxieties to take over the story. Written by Angela Compton Nelson, in Building Faith from Virginia Theological Seminary. Coronavirus Anxiety Children - Build Faith
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke is an Anglican priest and Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax. He teaches courses in pastoral psychotherapy related to death, dying, bereavement, trauma, individual and community resilience, as well as leadership.
ANGLICAN FAMILY HUB
Connect families together through resources shared here related to home prayers, worship, activities, crafts, games and more! Share, connect and join the community on Facebook! From the Diocese of Niagara. https://www.facebook.com/Anglicanfamilyhub/
THE GREEN DOOR WEB SERIES – FOR KIDS
A a new Canadian Anglican program for children. Posted five days a week, it follows Barley and Nosebag, resident puppets of St. Michael & All Angels Church (Diocese of Toronto), as they navigate the various impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak in their community—with the support of lay pastor Jenni Feheley. The Green Door - for Kids
TUCKED IN: BEDTIME STORIES & PRAYERS
Each Monday, Wednesday and occasional Fridays join us to hear Bible and other stories and short bedtime prayers. A Facebook page featuring Episcopalians and others. https://www.facebook.com/episcopaltuckedin/
CANDLE WALK BEDTIME BOOK
An illustrated picture book that prepares children for sleep. Author is Karin Holsinger Sherman, published through Church Publishing Incorporated. https://issuu.com/churchpublishing/docs/candlewalk5?fr=sNmZhNjY3MDM3Mg