Resources are intended for mid councils, churches and individual worshipers
by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — Resources that mid councils, churches and individuals can use for worship, congregational care and other areas of ministry as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States have been gathered in one spot, at pcusa.org/coronavirus.
The page will grow as more stories are written and more resources are produced. The page includes links to authoritative health sources; denominational authorities ranging from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to the Office of Theology and Worship; pastoral statements; and reporting from Presbyterian News Service, Office of the General Assembly, and other sources.
Leaders including the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA)’s General Assembly, PDA and the Office of Theology and Worship all stress that while it’s important to remain vigilant and alert to potential dangers from the coronavirus, Presbyterians must continue to trust God through all developments, remaining calm in a time of distress, extending compassion to those who are suffering and praying for the healing of the world.
A section called “Commonsense measures churches can take now” includes guidelines for both churches and individual worshipers. Another section, “Meeting virtually,” discusses the pros and cons of live streaming, including obtaining copyright permission and selecting from various platforms for streaming.
Services of daily prayer, which are found on the PC(USA)’s Daily Prayer app as well as the “Book of Common Worship” and the hymnal “Glory to God,” are good options for the order of worship when a congregation is gathering primarily or only in virtual space.
Nelson said any decision on when to cancel services and when to resume worshiping in person “is between each congregation and their presbytery leaders. They need to determine what is best for their community and the individuals who gather for worship.”
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Categories: Disaster Response, Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Tags: coronavirus, covid-19, office of the general assembly, office of theology and worship, presbyterian disaster assistance, presbyterian news service, rev. dr. j. herbert nelson ii
Ministries: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Compassion, Peace and Justice