Many of our congregations and parishes are considering their responses to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. The Diocese is curating resources that are specific to parishes, and both our Bishop and Archbishop have made pastoral statements. We'll be adding to this blog post as new resources come our way, stay tuned.
Statements from our Diocesan & Provincial Leaders
- Letter from Bishop Jim Hobby Announcing Suspension of Services
- Letter from Bishop Jim Hobby
- Update from Archbishop Foley Beach on behalf of College of Bishops
- Letter from Archbishop Foley Beach
Resources for Parishes
- Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus: A Step-by-Step, Research-Informed and Faith-Based Planning Manual by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College
- "Your Church and Coronavirus: Ten Ministry Suggestions for Your Church" by Canon David Roseberry, posted on anglicanpastor.com
- CDC Resources for Community- and Faith-Based Leaders
- Livestreams of Services Across the Province, for members who are self-isolating
- Love in the Time of the Coronavirus by Andy Crouch, author of Culture Making, The Tech-Wise Family, and other books. He is partner for theology and culture at Praxis.
- Coronavirus Disease and the Church: Resources for a Faithful Response by Christian Associates of Southwestern Pennsylvania - This is a compilation of resources from within and beyond Southwest Pennsylvania to assist churches in responding with faith, courage, and skill to the Covid-19 pandemic
- A Liturgy During a Pandemic by The Rev. Porter C. Taylor - designed for use at home during this time of uncertainty and fear due to COVID-19. This is meant to be used at any time of the day, or multiple times a day,if so desired.
- The Order for the act of Spiritual Communion for those unable to attend services due to sickness or quarantine by Spencer Johnson, President and Co-Chair of the Diocese of Western Anglicans
- Live Streaming Services & Holding Digital Gatherings
- How to Live Stream Worship and Run Meetings Online by ACNA Provincial Leaders - includes training webinars & other resources
- CCLI Resources & Tips - Please remember basic licensing agreements through CCLI do not cover streaming. CCLI is discounting the streaming add-on for congregations.
- New Many groups are now adopting Zoom Cloud Meetings as a reliable, inexpensive platform for holding virtual meetings and gatherings. If this is a new platform for you or your people, please take some time to get familiar with the excellent, concise video tutorials and technical support material Zoom has compiled. In particular, this 1 minute video on how to Join a Meeting and 1 1/2 minute video on Configuring Audio and Video are perfect for new people.
Prayers
Here are some prayers from BCP 2019 that Diocesan leaders have found resonant to these times.
- 44. In Times of Social Conflict or Distress (p. 659) - Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grand us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- 50. For the Medical Professions (p. 661) - Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue in our hospitals his gracious work among us especially [in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic]; console and heal the sick; grant to the physicians, nurses, and assisting staff wisdom and skill, diligence and patience; prosper their work, O Lord, and send down your blessing upon all who serve the suffering; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- 61. For the Recovery of a Sick Person (p.664) - Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore your mercy for your servant N., that by your blessing upon him and upon those who minister to him with your healing gifts, he may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- 80. For Trustfulness in Times of Worry and Anxiety (p. 670) - Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all of our cares on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.