Update on Pastoral Guidance and Response to COVID-19
We continue to be in prayer for each of you. Below are a few actions steps some of our ABCNJ churches are taking in response to the coronavirus and the well-being of the community. Each congregation should do what is best for their particular situation. You will also find additional resources below that will be helpful as you develop your own plan of action.
Please join us as we pray for the recovery of those who are ill, those who are caring for the sick, those who are feeling anxiety and fear, and for those who are seeking wisdom and knowledge in trying to contain and fight against the virus.
Special Considerations
If You Are Feeling Sick, Please Stay Home. God loves you and we love you! In fact, remaining home is an important step for you to take if you are feeling sick for your sake and the sake of others. We want to continue to care for one another—so if you decide to stay home, or if you become sick, please let your church family know so people can be praying for you and checking in.
If You Are At Risk and/or Are Concerned About Gathering for Worship there is information which can help you. According to the Centers for Disease Control, older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, are at higher risk for exposure to COVID-19.
Worship & Community Considerations
WORSHIP BULLETINS
If possible foregoing print bulletins, and replacing them with electronic or projected versions, is advisable. If this is not feasible, make sure greeters are wearing gloves as they pass out bulletins, and have worshippers sanitize their hands as they enter the sanctuary.
MUSIC
It is not known at present how long COVID-19 is able to remain viable on surfaces. Projecting lyrics is a good way to prevent the spread of the virus. Remember to disinfect the keyboards, remotes/mouse and desks. If this is not feasible a printed song sheet may be a better option, and if this will not work then encouraging hand washing and sanitizing after worship is recommended (which should be a standard practice).
OFFERING
Worshippers should either come forward to leave their offerings in a basket or plate, or plates should be handled by gloved ushers and not passed by the congregation. While there are costs, encouraging online giving would also help protect those who handle the offering after it is taken.
PRAYER TIME
If your church passes a microphone around at prayer time, have the person holding the microphone in the front listen to each request and then repeat it for the congregation.
Consider holding your hands out and up to God during prayer time instead of holding hands.
HANDSHAKING
Following CDC guidelines, Handshaking should be avoided. If your church passes the peace, or has a greeting time, during worship then propose alternatives for the congregation to use. People could be taught to sign “I love you” or place their right hand over their heart and then extend it outward to their neighbors—the latter is considered by many to be a sign of peace. A friendly nod and smile is also a good alternative.
COMMUNION
Passing plates and cups is inadvisable at this time, as too many hands end up touching the elements and the potential for spreading the virus is increased. Churches may want to consider inviting congregants up front for communion, keeping a least three feet between members, and have gloved servers hand worshippers the elements. You may also consider using pre-filled communion sets.
Shared Meals
Churches may need to consider eliminating shared meals for the time being. If your church decides to go ahead with planned meals, have all food served by gloved servers. Pre-packaged snacks could also be an option for fellowship time.
Consider Streaming OPtions
Weekly gatherings may need to be cancelled at some point during this outbreak. In order to continue bringing the community together churches would do well to consider streaming their services. This will mean churches will need to update, or purchase, a CCLI license to include streaming online. There are many options for churches who are interested in streaming their services.
Mevo makes cameras which will stream to a number of online services, and can be controlled from a smart phone or tablet.
A USB web-cam can be attached to a computer and sent through software like ecamm Live (subscription based) or Open Broadcast Software Studio (free, but requires more knowledge).
To connect a video camera or some higher end still cameras to the above software you will need a capture device to allow HDMI input on your computer.
Property Considerations
While adjusting our worship practices are a good, practical step to take, it’s important to understand our church buildings can also serve as vectors for the virus. Mitigating spreading Covid-19 in the Church Building, then, is important. Here are some things to look for.
Sanitize door knobs and hand-rails
Keep a cleaner which is known to be affective against corona viruses by all entrances to the church building. Be sure to wipe them down before, during, and after all gatherings. If there are other groups which use your building, make cleaning products available to them so they may do the same.
Hand Sanitizer
Place a large bottle of hand sanitizer in lobby and in rooms where people meet. Better, have a gloved greeter dispense the sanitizer for those entering worship.
Resources
HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS
World Health Organization has global updates to make people aware of COVID-19’s current status
CDC has a checklist for faith-based communities during a pandemic and guidance for employers which can be adapted for church settings
New Jersey Department of Health provides information tailored for the Garden State
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
ABC/USA has some basic guidelines for churches to follow
Presbyterian Church USA has some detailed guidance for churches to consider
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) provides a comprehensive guide for congregations
The Lewis Center for church leadership provides helpful guidelines for congregations
Thoughts from a briefing for churches near the Washington Outbreak