COVID-19 Information and Resources

ABCUSA > COVID-19 Information and Resources

American Baptist Task Force on
Interpreting the Impact of Covid-19 on Congregations

In 2022, a task force on “Interpreting the Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations” was formed by the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary and Board of General Ministries in response to the interest of ABC congregations to continue to explore the impact of the global pandemic on congregational life. The task force was created to gather and share information regarding ways that ABC congregations can adjust to new realities created by the global pandemic so that they can become all that God intends them to be. The task force compiled the below list of resources:

Covid-19 Resources

ABCUSA News

ABCUSA is proud to be a founding member of the national volunteer COVID-19 Community Corps!  #WeCanDoThis

Visit hhs.gov/COVIDCommunityCorps today to learn more and join us in the fight to protect America’s health.  

Testing Information

At-home rapid COVID-19 tests are now being distributed to American homes for free at www.covidtests.gov

Treatment Information

Increasing access to COVID-19 Treatments

Driven by President Biden’s comprehensive COVID-19 response, there are now more tools than ever before to protect people from the virus, including highly-effective treatments. The Administration announced new actions to make these treatments even easier to access and to make sure health care providers and patients know about their safety, efficacy, and availability. These actions will help strengthen and further build the infrastructure to ensure that lifesaving treatments for COVID-19 are quickly distributed around the country, widely available, and easy to access. Learn more.

Vaccine Information

Did You Know?
You can get a 2nd booster 4 months after your 1st if you’re 50+ and got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or if you’re 18+ and got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Find free vaccines near you at vaccines.gov.

Get Involved in the Fight Against Covid

Watch the We Can Do This Summit

We Can Do This Summit: Conversations on Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccinations was a virtual Summit featuring conversations among leading doctors, other medical professionals, parents, and community leaders about COVID vaccines and how the broader medical community can encourage vaccination among women who are pregnant, children, teens, and young adults. Watch the recording and consider ways that you can get involved in the fight against COVID-19.

Vaccine Information

View the Faiths4Vaccines National Summit Summary video:

Access to a vaccine should not be an obstacle for someone to get vaccinated. Here are three vaccine tools to bring to your communities right now:

  1. Visit vaccines.gov (English) or vacunas.gov (Spanish) to search and find a vaccine near you. (Accessible to those with disabilities.)
  2. Text GETVAX (438829) for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish to receive three vaccine sites on your phone within seconds.
  3. Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1-800-232-0233 for those who prefer to get information via phone call. (Can assist in 150+ languages)

Many pharmacies and other vaccination sites are now offering walk-in appointments and that vaccinations are free of cost and do not require ID. 


Ministry Resources

Webinar: Online Worship: Elements, Interactions, and Technology by Jeremy Fackenthal

Online Worship: Elements, Interactions, and Technology

A Pastor’s Story in the Midst of the Pandemic: Pastor Matthew Burden of Second Baptist Church Calais, Maine, is interviewed by his Regional Resource Minister, Rev. Dr. Alfred Fletcher. View here.

A Perspective on Young Adult Stewardship Contributions to the Church During the Pandemic: “Realities of our New Normal” by members of the Commission on Congregational Mission of ABC of Wisconsin region. Click here to read this article.

Awareness, Preparation, Implementation: Ministry During Pandemic (free PDF resource) by Judson Press

Learning Through the Crisis: #InThisTogether: Ministry in Times of Crisis by Judson Press

Music: A Resource from “Join Your Voices” campaign: To assist choral leaders in search of a responsible and transparent pathway to return safely to singing, critical aspects and considerations have been compiled from current guidelines and initiatives related to the COVID-19 situation and organized to support a decision-making process.

Theological Considerations: Doing Theology in Pandemics | Facing Viruses, Violence, and Vitriol. A Public Lecture Series – Wisdom and Insights from Leading Theologians, a project of Chicago Theological Seminary.


Family Resources

2020 Resources

ABCUSA News

Video: A message to all American Baptists during this global pandemic

American Baptist Leaders Issue Call to Prayer

For Worship Resources, click here.
For Prayer requests that churches and individuals lift up, click here.

Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Routinely clean frequently touched objects.
  • Maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home when you are sick, and if you are not sick stay home as much as possible.
  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.

Resources

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance – FEMA
FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

American Baptist Churches USA Survey Assesses Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19-Related Assistance: CARES Act, Recovery Rebates, Paycheck Protection Program – Interim General Secretary C. Jeff Woods

Discoveries & Learnings from the Global Pandemic – ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary

An American Baptist Plea for Emergency OGHS Support, COVID-19 Creates Great Need

REMC Recommended Best Practices for Pastors During the COVID-19 Crisis

The Generosity Project: Stewardship and Pandemic  – Webinar resource provided by Rev. Stacy Emerson, ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary

Stewardship and Pandemic Resources – prepare by Rev. Stacy Emerson

A Video Message from Interim General Secretary Woods


Guidance for Reopening

ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary Releases Discussion Guide for Reopening Church Buildings (available in English and Spanish)

Courage in the Crisis – Summary Recommendations from the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA) (New resource added July 22, 2020)
View the CMDA Reopening Guidelines Evidence Addendum
View CMDA’s page printable guide

Church Mutual Webinar and Resources:

Resources to Protect your House of Worship – FEMA

Committing to a Hybrid Model of Ministry – Lewis Center for Church Leadership

Guidelines for Religious and Funeral Services – New York State, shared by ABCNYS

Ministry and Mission Reopening Resources – ABC of Pennsylvania and Delaware

24 Questions Your Church Should Answer Before People Return – Ken Braddy

Public Health Principles for a Phased Reopening During COVID-19: Guidance for Governors – Johns Hopkins

Returning to Church – Wisconsin Council of Churches

Guidance for Religious Entities and Funeral Homes – West Virginia Government

When New York State’s PAUSE Recommendations are Lifted – What About Your Church? – Albany Presbytery

A Phased Approach to Regathering as Church: Turning Toward the Future with Caution and Hope – The Episcopal Bishops of Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia

What Will Our Church Look Like After Lockdown? – Baptist Union of Great Britain

Resources from Church Mutual Insurance:


Spanish Language Resources

Guía Para la Conversación Sobre Reabrir el Templo – American Baptist Churches USA

Protocolo y Guía Sugerida Para la Reapertura de Facilidades y Templos – Iglesias Bautistas de Puerto Rico (Suggested Protocol for Sanctuary Reopening)

Comunicado del Concilio de Iglesias de Puerto Rico (The Reopening of Sanctuaries Statement)

Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades – Centers for Disease Control (en Español)

Organización Panamericana de la Salud – Pan American Health Organization

Organización Mundial de la Salud – World Health Organization


Additional Resources

Eight Lessons from COVID-19 to Guide Our Climate Response – Eos

COVID-19 Impact Survey of Building Use and Community Programs, Summer 2020 – Partners for Sacred Places

Advocacy Resource for Covid-19 – Philadelphia Baptist Association

Resources for Conversations with Children and Youth About Racism – provided by ABC of the Central Region

Religious groups offer resources for churches preparing to reopen amid coronavirus pandemic – Baptist News Global

Generosity in the Midst of COVID-19 – American Baptist Churches USA

Giving Beyond the Offering Place – Ecumenical Stewardship Center

Unexpected Money Can Become Unexpected Generosity – Southern New England Conference, UCC

How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19 – Nonprofit Quarterly

Considering Faith, Community, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Crisis – The Partnership Center

How to Lead Calmly in a Global Outbreak – Faith and Leadership

10 Guidelines for Pastoral Care During the Coronavirus Outbreak – The Christian Century

When Business Threats Are Contagious – ThinkHR

A Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances: What You Need to Know – Annuity.org

A Concise Coronavirus Guide for Churches – Christianity Today

Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus – Child Mind Institute

Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations – U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Survey Shows Faith Can Prosper in Online Services – Religion News Service

6 Steps Your Congregation Should Take in Response to the Coronavirus – The Lewis Center for Church Leadership

Legal Considerations for Coronavirus Guidance and Church Gatherings – Church Law & Tax

Resources for Christian Leaders During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Faith and Leadership

Coronavirus Resources – Church Mutual Insurance

Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Sovereign Insurance Group

Coronavirus Guide for Pastoral Leaders, Judicatories and Congregations – New York State Council of Churches

Video: Supporting our Communities – Rev. Ken McKenzie, Federated Church of West Winfield, N.Y.

Ten Tech Tips for Meeting Online – Next Church (Presbyterian Church USA)

Note – Due to the limited amount that is known about the virus, information is being updated daily. We encourage you to contact and listen to your local health experts and authorities concerning best practices and the status of the outbreaks in your local context. The following links may also serve as helpful resources.

Find a Church

As congregations cancel on-site worship services and people across the country practice social distancing, you can still worship with American Baptists in your home via online worship services.

The best way to find an online worship service near you is to visit the Find a Church section of our website. Search for American Baptist churches in your community and visit their websites to find any online worship opportunities available.


Posts from our American Baptist Partners

This section ran was updated from March 10, 2020 through June 23, 2020. Region resource documents will continue to be added to the resources above.

June 23, 2020

Intersections – ABC of Greater Indianapolis

June 22, 2020

An Update from Gregg Hemmen – ABC of the Central Region

June 19, 2020

Region Notes – ABC of New York State

June 17, 2020

Update – ABC of Nebraska

ABHMS Awards $56,000 in OGHS Funds for COVID-19 Recovery in the U.S., Puerto Rico

June 16, 2020

Staff Re-opening Guidelines – The ABC of Massachusetts (TABCOM)

June 15, 2020

Pastors and Church Leaders – ABC of Maine Update

Body Builders – Mid-American Baptist Churches

Questions about Church Finance and Administration – ABC of New York State

June 8, 2020

Update from Gregg Hemmen – ABC of the Central Region

June 7, 2020

Mission Northwest Email Update

ABC Metro Chicago Ewind

June 5, 2020

Memorandum: George Floyd, Systemic Change & COVID-19 – Philadelphia Baptist Association

June 4, 2020

ABC of Nebraska Enewsletter

June 3, 2020

Gathering Again – ABC of New York State

June 2, 2020

TABCOM Notes June 2020 – ABC of Massachusetts

June 1, 2020

Update from Gregg Hemmen – ABC of the Central Region

May 31, 2020

Body Builders – Mid-American Baptist Churches

May 30, 2020

A Call to the Region – ABC of the Rochester/Genesee Region

May 29, 2020

A Public Statement from the Philadelphia Baptist Association

May 28, 2020

What is God Doing Among Us? – ABC of New York State

May 26, 2020

A Gathered Fellowship – ABC of Maine

May 25, 2020

ABC Metro Chicago Ewind

A Message from Gregg Hemmen, ABC of the Central Region

May 22, 2020

ABC of the Rocky Mountains Weekly News Update, May 22-25

Options for Online Worship, May 24 – ABC of the Central Region

May 21, 2020

Message from the Executive Minister – ABC of the Rochester Genesee Region

May 20, 2020

Letter from Executive Minister Mary Miller – ABC of Massachusetts

Region Notes – ABC of New York State

May 19, 2020

Intersections – ABC of Greater Indianapolis

May 18, 2020

A Message from Gregg Hemmen, ABC of the Central Region

May 15, 2020

Mid-American Baptist Churches Body Builders

The ABC of Massachusetts (TABCOM) Half Notes

Reframing the Church – Rev. Larron D. Jackson, ABC of the Rocky Mountain Region

May 13, 2020

A Bible Study written by Rev. James E. McJunkin, Jr., Philadelphia Baptist Association

Tech Forums – ABC of New York State

Weekly Update from ABC of Nebraska

Love is Contagious – Sandy Hasenauer, ABC of the Rochester Genesee Region

Corona Notes – ABC of New York State

ABC of the Central Region Focus May 2020

May 12, 2020

ABC of Metro Chicago News

May 11, 2020

An Update from Gregg Hemmen – ABC of the Central Region

May 6, 2020

Face-to-Face Guidance from Kansas Governor Kelly – ABC of the Central Region

Stand Firm… ABC of the Rocky Mountains Devotional

May 5, 2020

COVID-19 Camping Announcement – ABC of the Central Region

ABC of Rocky Mountains News

May 4, 2020

An Update from Gregg Hemmen – ABC of the Central Region

May 1, 2020

Re-Creation – ABC of the Rocky Mountains

At the End of April – ABC of Maine

April 30, 2020

Expect the Unexpected: for Pastors Looking Toward Re-Opening – ABC of Massachusetts

Re-Opening Plans for ABCCR Central Region States

Body Builders – Mid-American Baptist Churches

April 29, 2020

Reflection by Rev. Mark Thompson: “My Refrigerator” – ABC of Indiana and Kentucky

An Uncertain Time Lived Out Before a Certain God – ABC of Michigan

April 28, 2020

A Generosity Project Reflection: Generosity in the Midst of a Global Pandemic

April 27, 2020

Online Kid Ministry Options – ABC of the Central Region

Update from ABC of the Central Region

What Comes Next? – American Baptist Churches of Ohio

Pastors and Church Leaders – ABC of Maine Update

April 25, 2020

ABC of Metro Chicago EWIND Newsletter

April 23, 2020

Region Notes – American Baptist Churches of New York State

April 22, 2020

Light for Today – ABC of the Rocky Mountains Video Devotion

ABHMS Stands with Asian-Americans Against Racism Amidst Coronavirus

April 21, 2020

Mission Northwest Email Update

ABC of Greater Indianapolis Intersections Newsletter

ABWM Hosts Courageous Conversation: Youth and Young Adult Ministry During a Pandemic Webinar

April 20, 2020

A Pastoral Letter from ABC of Wisconsin Executive Minister – More than Lip Service

ABWM Seeks to Reset and Reimagine Programs in Response to COVID-19

Update from ABC of the Central Region

April 17, 2020

Options for Online Worship – ABC of the Central Region

April 16, 2020

Corona Notes – American Baptist Churches of New York State

April 15, 2020

Light for Today Episode 5 – ABC of the Rocky Mountains

Book Offers Guidance on Crossing Lines that Separate ‘Us’ From ‘Them’

April 14, 2020

ABC of Greater Indianapolis Intersections Newsletter

Your Weekly ABC of Nebraska Updates

Judson Press, Author Offer Free ‘Ministry During Pandemic’ Digital Resource

April 13, 2020

A Sunday After Easter Offer from Executive Minister, Mary Miller, TABCOM

A Message from ABC of the Central Region Executive Minister

ABC of the Central Region Focus Newsletter

April 12, 2020

Celebrating the Risen Christ – Mission Northwest

April 11, 2020

In this Together – ABC of Metro Chicago

April 9, 2020

Moving Towards a “New Normal” – Philadelphia Baptist Association

April 8, 2020

Caring for the Carer – ABC of New York State

An American Baptist Plea for Emergency OGHS Support, COVID-19 Creates Great Need

April 7, 2020

The CARES Act: Your Questions Answered – Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board

Wisdom and Warnings Around Personal Stimulus Help – ABC of Greater Indianapolis

Observations: Holy Week – ABC of Indiana and Kentucky

Unlike Any Other: The First Easter – A Message from ABC of Michigan

ABC of Maine Update – Coronavirus Disease

April 6, 2020

Some Thoughts From the Wilderness… ABC of the Central Region

Maintaining Robust Church Finances During the Pandemic – Mission Northwest

April 3, 2020

ABHMS Convenes Roundtable to Identify American Baptist Needs During Coronavirus Pandemic

A Different Kind of Easter – ABC of the Rocky Mountains

Observations – ABC of Indiana and Kentucky

Corona Updates – ABC of New York State

A Word From the Regional Executive Minister – ABC of Metro Chicago

April 2, 2020

Resources and Encouragement from ABC of Michigan

April 1, 2020

COVID-19-Related Assistance – An Update from ABCUSA Acting General Secretary C. Jeff Woods

March 27, 2020

Supporting Churches, Pastors, and Regions: A Letter from the ABCUSA Acting General Secretary

March 25, 2020

E-Giving – A Message from ABC of New York State

March 24, 2020

Online Worship is all the Rage! – American Baptist Churches of Nebraska

March 22, 2020

An Update from the Central Region

March 21, 2020

A Word From the Regional Executive Minister of ABC of Metro Chicago

March 20, 2020

ABC of Maine Update – COVID-19

March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Faith Resource – How 4+ Churches Did Worship in Philadelphia

A Letter from Rev. Soozi Whitten Ford – American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky

March 17, 2020

Sent Before His Face, Live Stream Readings – American Baptist Churches of New Jersey

A Message from the American Baptist Churches of Maine

March 16, 2020

COVID-19 Letter from International Ministries CEO – American Baptist International Ministries

MMBB Financial Services Implements Remote Operations

American Baptist Foundation to Continue Service Remotely  – American Baptist Foundation

American Baptist Home Mission Societies Implements Interim Telework Plan

March 13, 2020

A Message Regarding COVID-19 – ABC of Metro New York

March 12, 2020

American Baptist Home Mission Societies Offers Guidance, Litany, Prayer for Congregational Response to COVID-19

A Letter from the Executive Minister  – American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains

ABC of the Rocky Mountains Resources

A Message from ABC of Wisconsin

March 11, 2020

Information from the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches

American Baptist Churches of Maine Shares Recommendations Related to Coronavirus

March 10, 2020

COVID-19 Update from Acting General Secretary C. Jeff Woods

March 6, 2020

Pastoral Guidance from ABC of New Jersey

Prayer, Caution Urged Surrounding Coronavirus – A Message from Acting General Secretary C. Jeff Woods

January 29, 2020

IM Responds with Relief for Outbreak of Coronavirus