Weekly Coronavirus briefing and News from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).

Coronavirus News

Virtual Communion: Church leaders say it can be doneOffice of the General Assembly issues advisory opinion on holding communion during emergency/pandemic

PDA ready to make COVID-19 grants thanks to One Great Hour of SharingPresbyterian Disaster Assistance general fund and OGHS basis for more than $2 million in grants

How does PDA respond to a disaster during a pandemic?With travel and contact restricted, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance turns to virtual response to disasters, COVID-19

Stated Clerk lifts up health care workersJ. Herbert Nelson calls them the "helping and healing hands" during COVID-19 outbreak

Office of Vital Congregations hosting weekly Zoom conversations through May 6TFE Director Ray Jones III and colleagues to discuss ‘intentional, authentic evangelism,’ a mark of a vital congregation

Responding to revenue shortfalls during the pandemic Co-facilitators of Thursday’s 1001 New Worshiping Communities Zoom conversation: ‘During times of crisis, giving increases’

Prayers for chaplains and health care workers Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel director offers two prayers for those working on the frontlines of COVID-19

Small beginnings Promoting health in all areas of life in South Sudan during the coronavirus

Crowdsourcing kindness A Presbyterian pastor in Oregon says her role in the online group Pandemic Partners is ‘to cheer the community on’

‘This is just a change in where we are needed’ What makes for effective Matthew 25 ministry during a pandemic

PC(USA) Washington office calls for easing Iran sanctions to combat COVID-19 Office of Public Witness joins ecumenical partners advocating humanitarian aid in Middle East

PC(USA) corporate engagement committee calls on companies to support workers in COVID-19 crisis Mission Responsibility Through Investment joins in urging paid leave, maintaining employment, other measures

A time for pastoral, prophetic and practical Christianity A joint statement from the World Council of Churches and regional ecumenical organizations on ministering during the COVID-19 era

Committee on the Office of the General Assembly considers options for the 224th General Assembly (2020) COVID-19 spread raises questions about gathering in June

‘You can’t find the need before you find the people’ Serving those living on the street, G.W. Rolle of Missio Dei is concerned how coronavirus is impacting the most vulnerable

‘We’re all in this together’ Coronavirus pandemic heightens the needs of the most vulnerable

Can online worship be intimate? Webinar panelists insist it can be, and here’s some of what they’ve learned

Office of Theology and Worship offers supplemental guidance for online communion Included are guidelines for holding online services during Holy Week and Easter 2020

Keeping your church/presbytery office organized during COVID-19 Making technology work during this time of social distancing

Presbyterian Center closing to prevent spread of coronavirus Staff continues to serve the Church remotely

Serious JuJu: Warehouse closed but ministry continues 1001 worshiping community provides food and care to skateboarders and those who love them

Racial Equity Advocacy Committee condemns use of ‘Chinese virus’ Calls on President Trump not to use ‘racist, unacceptable’ term for coronavirus

Protecting your mental health during the pandemic How to take steps to limit anxiety over the coronavirus

Remote faith formation for the long haul Office of Christian Formation, Christian Formation Collective offer faith formation resources during the current pandemic and beyond

Presbyterian Publishing Corporation lists worship, education resources for being the church during the COVID-19 pandemic ‘You are the lifeblood of our organization’ President and Publisher David Dobson tells pastors, church educators and parishioners