Eastern PA Conference

Resources & Updates from The Conference:

• August 4, 2021 - New Eastern PA Conference COVID Update
• May 2021 - Reopening Best Practices for Local Churches During the Pandemic
• April 2021 - Vaccines Webinar: Recording now online

Reopening Resources from the Cabinet and Conference Chancellor (from the May 12, 2020 Webinar):

• Video: Cabinet explains church reopening guidelines in webinar
• Pandemic Re-opening Best Practices for Eastern PA Conference  Churches
• Supplemental Q&A Document
• EE-and-Volunteer-Covid-Code-of-Conduct.docx
• Lease-Use-Agreement-Addendum.docx
• Polling-Places-During-COVID-Guidance.pdf
• Polling-Use-Agreement-Addendum.docx
• Sample-Liability-Waiver.docx
• Sample-Trustee-Resolution-COVID-19.docx

Eastern PA Conference COVID-19 resources:

• Eastern PA UMC Youth Ministry in Covid-19 and Beyond - Reopening Guidelines
• Directory of Food Distribution Centers in Eastern PA Conference -- Provided as part of the Conference's Coronavirus Assistance Program (CAP)

Statements from the Conference Office

• May 1: A Message from Bishop Peggy Johnson about Reopening Churches
• April 30: Two online events today explore ministry in the midst of COVID-19
• April 29: Pandemic Re-opening Best Practices for Churches
• April 2: Annual Conference & COVID-19 Stimulus Act
• March 31: A Letter of Support to Churches from Eastern PA Conference Leadership

CDC & Other Sources

Information from the CDC (www.cdc.gov)

• What you need to know about COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease
  • Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
• Coronavirus Disease: CDC Advice for People at Higher Risk

COVID-19 resources from other sources:

• Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith
• Frequently Asked Questions, provided by the PA Department of Health
• "Embrace the Now, Prepare for the Next" Resource for Resuming In-Person Worship, by The Virginia Conference
• Insurance-Related Covid-19 and Cyber Security Resources
• UMCOR launches COVID-19 Response Fund
• Payroll Protection Program Application FAQ* and Federal CARES Act Guidelines for Churches
• Safe Sanctuaries during physical distancing during the COVID
• The Church Guide to Coronavirus -- How congregations can prepare for the potential disruption and gospel opportunities, from Outreach.
• Congregational Planning Checklist for a Pandemic -- From Lutheran Disaster Response, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Helping your church respond to the coronavirus
• Adjusting to coronavirus threat
• What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? (HHS)
• What is “social distancing,” and how can it slow the coronavirus outbreak? The difference between quarantine, isolation, and social distancing, explained. (VOX)
• Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services Coronavirus Update—COVID-19 in Community

Ministry in the Midst of Coronavirus

• Online prayer groups seek healing despite social distancing
• Church leaders urge African Americans to stay healthy, survive
• UM agencies resourcing pandemic-affected churches
• CCYM shares reflections, advice on surviving pandemic
• Churches taking ministry online in the midst of pandemic
• Take your church to the world. Connect through technology
• Camps suspend spring events due to COVID-19
• Bishop urges calm but caution, compassion in COVID-19 pandemic
• Resources, ideas to protect worshipers from coronavirus
• The Ten Commandments for Coronavirus Prevention in Faith Communities

Holy Communion:

• Thoughts about Holy Communion in the Midst of Coronavirus by Bishop Peggy Johnson
• Grace Upon Grace: United Methodism, Holy Communion & Social Isolation by Dr. Ryan N. Danker
• Alternatives to Communion around the Lord’s Table
• Two Suggested Love Feast Liturgies