Coronavirus and the Church: Facts Over Fear

The spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has dominated our news and our attention over these last weeks. As the situation continues to evolve, the Minnesota Conference office and United Church of Christ national setting are monitoring the situation closely and providing guidance and support to our members. We want to equip our congregations and leaders to make wise, faithful, and healthy decisions.

Resources

• Letter from Conference Minister Shari Prestemon to all clergy within the Minnesota Conference urging immediate attention to certain precautions and consideration of additional measures moving forward.
• Coronavirus disaster ministries page on the UCC website with many resources for local congregations and members
• Ideas for modified worship behavior during this public health crisis
• CDC website
• Minnesota Department of Health website

The Conference will continue to provide guidance on COVID-19 matters relevant to our congregations as needed. “It’s important for all of us to behave calmly, thoughtfully, and faithfully, choosing facts over fear and preparation over panic,” writes Rev. Prestemon. “Let us do now what we do best as the Church…care deeply for each other, invite God’s peace into our hearts and communities, and lean on one another for support and wisdom and guidance as we navigate these unfamiliar waters. And let us trust, as the scriptures remind us, that God is ever near.”