The unexpected and untimely COVID-19 pandemic has prevented faith communities from meeting in their physical buildings. 

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As we enter a season of many religious celebrations, let us look to those faith leaders who are working to protect their communities while upholding faith traditions.

The resources below offer many avenues faith leaders can take to engage their faith community members while remaining safe and practicing proper social distancing.

• For tips everyone can use to stay healthy during pandemics like COVID-19, check out the Healthcare Ready Tip Sheet for Pandemics and Disease Outbreaks: https://healthcareready.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HcR-Disaster-Tip-Sheets-Pandemics.pdf

• Here is a step-by-step, research-informed, and faith-based planning manual on preparing your church for COVID-19 by Wheaton College’s Humanitarian Disaster Institute: https://www.wheaton.edu/media/humanitarian-disaster-institute/Preparing-Your-Church-for-Coronavirus.pdf
• For a list of virtual meeting platforms that are easy and effective to use for religious services, check out this link: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/virtual-meeting-platforms-help-churches-stay-on-track-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
• Check out answers to common questions received by the HHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives on protecting faith communities during COVID-19: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/3-17-20-faith-and-community-based-covid-19-faq.pdf
• Here are six ways you can connect with and better serve your community with the help of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, from ACST’s Ministry Impact Resources: https://ministry.acst.com/your-church-and-the-coronavirus-stay-connected-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
• To learn how to celebrate April’s upcoming religious holidays during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out this blog from the Aspen Institute, “How to Celebrate Holy Days While Socially Distant”: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/reflections-on-celebrating-holy-days-while-socially-distant/
• Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your health and the health of other people from COVID-19, from the AME Church Health Commission: http://amechealth.org/Documents-FAQ/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-center
• For tips on how to maintain church services and keep the church congregation engaged, while still practicing social distancing, check out this piece from Christianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/eblast/ct/2020/coronavirus-guide-for-churches-update.pdf
• To get helpful protection measures religious leaders can take to keep their community safe, read this piece by Church Law and Tax:
  https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/how-churches-can-respond-safely-and-effectively-during-pand.html
• For creative ways to keep church services in action, read INUMC’s blog “How to stay connected to your congregation and community during COVID-19” https://www.inumc.org/home-page/how-you-can-stay-connected-to-your-congregation-and-community-during-covid-19/