The spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19 is affecting nearly all parts of the world. As your presbytery and its congregations in the Miami Valley are responding to this pandemic, we are collecting helpful updates and resources (below) to aid in the response.
We pray for an end to this pandemic and the suffering and loss of life caused by it.
Updates from Presbytery of the Miami Valley
Holy Week 2020
Ministries within Presbytery of the Miami Valley are collaborating to provide devotional material for each day of Holy Week.
- Monday, April 6, Holy Week Devotional
- Tuesday, April 7, Holy Week Devotional
- Wednesday, April 8, Holy Week Devotional
- Maundy Thursday, April 9, Holy Week Devotional
- Good Friday, April 10, Holy Week Devotional
April 3, 2020
April 3, 2020
March 26, 2020
- Communion in an Emergency/Pandemic
Helpful information on planning communion from Stated Clerk Larry Hollar
March 18, 2020
March 16, 2020
March 13, 2020
March 12, 2020
- Pandemic Guidance for Congregations
In response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, the staff and Leadership Council of Presbytery of the Miami Valley has prepared some important and useful information for congregations faced with the many decisions surrounding church activities.
To help you think through what those precautions are, we have distributed two documents: The first is the Presbytery of the Miami Valley Pandemic Action Plan, which we have based on input from other helpful sources. The second is Guidance for Congregations: In response to severe infectious disease outbreak, which has been compiled by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Read a letter from Presbytery of the Miami Valley and download the documents
Email and Facebook Updates
- Presbytery Email List
Sign up to get the latest updates from Presbytery of the Miami Valley. - Presbytery Facebook Page
Like our page to get information from Presbytery of the Miami Valley.
Re-opening Guidance for Churches
- Re-opening Guidance from Presbytery of the Miami Valley
This document was developed during a Zoom meeting on April 29, 2020 with 65 church leaders from around the presbytery, hosted by Executive Presbyter Terry Kukuk. - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Returning to Public Worship
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has released “Returning to Public Worship: Theological and Practical Considerations” for congregations and leaders in the midst of making decisions about how and when to return to public worship in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic. (released May 4, 2020) - Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Some tips on providing and sharing music during and after the pandemic - Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church, Dayton
The church’s plan for re-opening - Wisconsin Council of Churches
A Model for Returning to Church in three phases
Livestreaming Resources
- Online Streaming: Getting Started or Getting Better
A video of the virtual workshop presented by the Rev. Cliff Haddox, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, Dayton - Guidelines on Live-streaming
From the Presbyterian Mission Agency PC(USA) - Zooming to the rescue in the face of COVID-19
Former General Assembly Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow shares how to practice social distancing by worshiping online - Zoom Worship Preparation
Zoom (video conferencing tool/app; works on computer, tablet, phone app, and allows calling in)
Resources, Articles, and Documents
- Daily Coronavirus Briefing from the PC(USA)
Sign up for the Presbyterian Daily News Digest - COVID-19 resources for churches and individuals
An extensive list of resources, frequently updated, from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - NEXT Church Resources for Doing Church Digitally
A NEXT Church Response to COVID-19 - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
Preparedness for Pandemics Guidance for Congregations (available in English, Korean, and Spanish) - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Emotional and Spiritual Care Webinars
Building Resilience Webinars for Faith Leaders and for General Audiences - Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA)
The PC(USA) Stated Clerk speaks about in-person worship and the coronavirus, and PC(USA) office guidelines for live streaming - Board of Pensions PC(USA)
Coronavirus information, which includes helpful resources and information about BOP medical coverage during the pandemic. - Presbyterian Historical Society
Share your 2020 Easter Worship Service/Sermon with the Presbyterian Historical Society - Presbyterian Outlook
Helpful worship resources for use during the pandemic - Insurance Board webinar
HR Issues and Your Ministry During COVID-19 - 10 guidelines for pastoral care during the coronavirus outbreak
From The Christian Century - Social Distancing and the Love of Neighbor
Princeton Theological Seminary - COVID-19 and Worship
Resources for Churches Adapting to Social Isolation from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship - YouTube
How to LiveStream on YouTube (takes 24 hrs to activate on your channel)
Government Resources
- Ohio Department of Public Health
The latest coronavirus updates from the ODPH - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC has prepared a number of useful resources:
– Posters/Print Resources, Videos, etc
– Faith-Based & Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist
– Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe - Disaster Distress Helpline
24/7/365 crisis counseling & emotional support. Calls at 1-800-985-5990 (press “2” for Spanish) and texts (text TalkWithUs to 66746) are answered by trained counselors from a network of independently-operated crisis centers located across the U.S. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
– Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
– Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health
