Church doors masked
The United Methodist Church is feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as businesses have closed their doors and churches have suspended in-person worship, due to the health guidelines. Mask image by panos13121, courtesy of Pixabay; church doors photo by Steven Adair, courtesy of United Methodist Communications; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.
A United Methodist Insight Column
Things are starting to open up for churches in some U.S. regions, but returning to in-person gatherings remains fraught with dangers and restrictions. Consider this report from the Indiana Annual Conference:
“Last Monday, October 5, the Extended Cabinet met with Kristen Kelley, Director of Infection Prevention at IU Health, to discuss COVID and how we as the United Methodist Churches in Indiana can help prevent this disease from spreading.
“Below are a few guidelines based on leadership’s conversation with IU Health. This guidance is intended for reducing the risk if churches choose to consider the activities listed. We are not advocating these activities.
“Eating Together
“If a congregation would like to share a meal together (including funeral dinners), IU Health offers the following advice:
- Screen congregants before they enter the building
- Eat outside, if possible
- Ensure that tables are at least 6 feet apart with no more than 8 people per table (per family unit)
- Offer multiple meal times to limit exposure
- Remove your mask only when you are actively eating, not socializing
“Choirs
“If a church’s choir reconvenes, suggestions include:
- Holding rehearsals outside (weather permitting), if a physical gathering is needed
- Limiting the number of participants to accommodate social distancing
- Wearing masks unless you are actively singing (while maintaining social distancing)
- Reducing the amount of time spent physically together
“Congregational Singing
“If churches want to implement congregational singing, IU Health suggests the following:
- Screening congregants before they enter the building
- Cleaning hymnals after use
- Practicing social distancing
- Wearing a form-fitted mask
“As always, we encourage churches to “Do no harm” by doing all they can to reduce the overall risk of COVID. Pastors should consult with local health officials when making decisions for their congregations.”
What restrictions are shaping your congregation’s return to in-person gatherings? Share them with United Methodist Insight readers.
Church World Service connects COVID-19 ‘bigger picture’
Since 1946 as the world struggled to recover from the devastation of World War II, the ecumenical agency Church World Service has worked to “feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless.” According to its website, “More recently, CWS was one of the founding members of a global partnership of faith-based humanitarian agencies, ACT Alliance, with members in 140 countries.”
Today CWS’ work centers on climate change, community-led development, refugees and immigrants and disaster response. It’s in that last capacity that CWS has been tracking how the coronavirus pandemic has caused “more people struggling with hunger now, or falling behind in school, or living with domestic violence. The agency has created an easy-to-read graphic titled “The Fallout of Coronavirrus” to connect the dots of the pandemic’s “bigger picture.”
After you look at the graphic, please consider a gift to help CWS care for those in need. Click here to donate: cwsglobal.org/coronavirus
More on coronavirus
NPR reports : “Religious leaders urge people of faith to pray for political leaders, both in general and when they are ill, even if people disagree with those leaders' policies. Even harsh critics of Trump have been careful not to wish him ill, and some commentaries about his COVID-19 diagnosis have been very nuanced.”
Still have COVID-19 scoffers in your congregation? Read the heartbreaking account of one man whose family party infected all six attendees and caused the death of his best friend, his father-in-law. Tony Green, on dismissing, denying, contracting and spreading the coronavirus
Media Mentions as of Oct. 13, 2020
Bipartisan Christian group forms super PAC to oppose Trump – The Associated Press
Black churches mobilizing voters despite virus challenges – The Associated Press
Trump hasn’t ‘saved Christianity’ and Christians shouldn’t save his presidency – USA Today
How Christian nationalism may determine whether you wear a mask
Religion News Service
Federal court allows D.C. church to hold services outdoors despite coronavirus restrictions
The Washington Post *
Undocumented immigrants and churches that give them sanctuary face breaking points – The Philadelphia Inquirer *
The church’s Black exodus – The Atlantic *
A Pastor’s Take: Repairing Democracy for Black Lives – Religion&Politics
Authorities investigating large religious event in Nashville with maskless crowds – NBC News
Court rules DC church can hold outdoor services for now – Religion News Service
Indigenous Peoples Day comes amid a reckoning over colonialism and calls for return of Native land – Religion News Service
*Paid subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.