2021 Resources for COVID-19
As we live into another year of facing the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer the following resources to support clergy and congregations in worship, education, technology, mission, and pastoral care. Our presbytery staff is here to offer support as we continue to pray for healing and the availability of vaccines for all.
A brief video from our pastors on what wearing a mask means to them.
Grant Funds
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta - Pandemic Grant Funds - Click here to download the application.
FEMA - Funeral Assistance for COVID related deaths (04/19/2021):
Updates from Our Executive Presbyter
Update: July 27, 2021
On July 27, 2021, the CDC reinstated their recommendations for vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons to wear a mask in areas that present a higher risk for COVID-19 transmission. Georgia is still considered a state in the high risk category.
Please continue to use wisdom and safety protocols as you are returning to in-person worship and church related gatherings. For more info, please check the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html#print (or click here for the PDF version) and www.covidactnow.org for real time U.S. COVID Risk & Vaccine Tracker.
COVID-19: Reopening to Reimagining Task Force Letter (05/21/2021): Link
COVID-19: Reopening to Reimagining Task Force Letter (01/26/2021): Link
Joint Savannah Presbytery and Presbytery of Greater Atlanta statement calling for justice in the case of Ahmaud Arbery, Brunswick, GA (06/03/2020): Link
COVID-19: Reopening to Reimagining Task Force Letter (05/12/2020): Link
COVID-19 Update from Our Executive Presbyter Aisha Brooks-Lytle (04/23/2020): link
COVID-19 Update from Our Executive Presbyter Aisha Brooks-Lytle (03/24/2020): link
COVID-19 Update from Our Executive Presbyter Aisha Brooks-Lytle (03/14/2020): link
COVID-19 Update from Our Executive Presbyter Aisha Brooks-Lytle (03/12/2020): link
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Resources
For announcements, please Like/Follow our Facebook Page, Instagram, and Twitter @atlpcusa. Clergy/Ministry Leaders, you are welcome to join the Greater Atlanta Presbytery Crowdsource Group on Facebook. This group meets Wednesdays at noon via Zoom to check-in and collaborate. Join the Group or contact your Congregational Consultant for a Zoom link.
Financial Resources and COVID-19 (04/08/2020): link
PGA Congregations Online Worship (color coding indicates Congregational Consultant assignments, legend at bottom) - Link to Spreadsheet
Policy 42, Electronic meetings (MS Word Download): link - This is the Presbytery’s policy on holding electronic meetings. Congregations may use this as a guideline for creating their own policy. The important thing is that the church has to have a policy. Session can approve one. The keys are that all have the same information, quorums need to be declared, etc.
Georgia COVID-19 Business Safety Act
Picture of signage displayed at the presbytery office: link
Town Hall: Reopening to Reimagining, Session I (05/19/2020)
Town Hall: Reopening to Reimagining, Session II (08/04/2020)
Church Communication and Polity Articles/Documents/Resources
PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) - Religious Identities and the Race Against the Virus: Engaging Faith Communities on COVID-19 Vaccination (04/22/2021): link
The Thoughtful Christian - Pandemic Resources for Adults (08/06/2020, YouTube): link
Presbyterian Church (USA)/General Assembly/Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA)/Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
Prayer for Healthcare Workers - The Presbyterian Outlook (03/30/2020): link
OGA Advisory Opinion - Communion in an Emergency or Pandemic (03/24/2020): link
Pastoral Message Regarding the Coronavirus from Stated Clerk of the General Assembly J. Herbert Nelson II and President/Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Diane Moffett (03/18/2020): link
Stated Clerk speaks about in-person worship and the coronavirus, and PC(USA) office guidelines for live streaming (03/11/2020): link
Stated Clerk’s Declaration About Electronic Meetings: link (MS Word Download)
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Congregations and Members: link
Preparedness for Pandemics Guidance for Congregations (Feb 2020; now available in English, Korean, and Spanish): link
Presbyterian Foundation
Presbyterian Foundation, PCUSA A Corp, and Board of Pensions - COVID-19 Related Legislation Overview: A Guide for Presbyterian Churches and Ministries (added 04/13/2020): link
Tech and Worship Resources
Worship Resources for Pre-recorded Services (password protected): link
A Sermon for Every Sunday: link
PC(USA) Online Services for Holy Week and Easter 2020/2021: link
Presbyterian Store
Hymnal and Book of Common Worship Rights during Covid-19 Pandemic: link
One License
One License Offers Gratis License to Help Cope with COVID-19 Challenges (03/13/2020; Valid Through APRIL 15): link
The Center for Congregational Song
Streaming Copyright Questions: link
Online Giving
Facebook
YouTube
How to LiveStream on YouTube (takes 24 hrs to activate on your channel): link
Zoom (video conferencing tool/app; works on computer, tablet, phone app, and allows calling in): link
TechCrunch - Beware of ‘ZoomBombing’: screensharing filth to video calls (03/17/2020): link
Zoom COVID Resources (includes various tips, including how to keep Zooms secure): link
Bruce Reyes-Chow - Zoom Worship Laboratory (03/17/2020): link
Bruce Reyes-Chow - Zoom Worship Preparation: link
How to Livestream Into a Zoom Meeting: link
COVID19 Digital Communications Platform - How to Zoom: link
Marthame’s One-Pager on Tech (PDF Download): link
Vimeo: link
Livestream with Vimeo: link
COVID-19 Sources for Black Churches and Communities of Color
The Gift of Black Theological Education & Black Church Collaborative: link
COVID 19 and the Black Community: A Pathway Forward: PDF
Government Websites/Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov | coronavirus.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): www.hhs.gov
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int
FEMA - Funeral Assistance for COVID related deaths (April 2021):
Self-Care/Pastoral Care
Pastor-to-Pastor Team: link
Soul Care/Self Care: link
Stephen Ministries
Caring for Grieving People during the COVID-19 Crisis: link
Stephen Ministries is offering a virtual Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC), an interactive online training to fully equip laypeople, church staff, and pastors as Stephen Leaders: link
BLTC Training opportunities will continue through 2021. The typical schedule includes two sessions per week for 5 weeks or one session per week for 10 weeks. Each session is 2.5 hours and includes a 15-minute break. There are morning, afternoon, or evening options on Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday, or Friday.
Monday/Wednesday start dates include May 26, June 30, August 4, September 8, October 6
Tuesday/Thursday start dates include June 1, July 6, August 10, September 14, October 12
Friday start dates include June 4, July 9, August 13, September 17, October 22
Hospice Foundation of America - On-Demand COVID-19 Programs: link
Center for Creative Leadership
9 Tips for Dealing With Uncertainty & Anxiety Right Now: link
The Christian Century
Four guidelines for improvising pastoral leadership through a pandemic (3/20/2020): link
Fuller Seminary - Examen: link
PMA - COVID-19 Mental Health Resources (includes information for various groups): link
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus: link
Children & Family
The Child Life Department at Texas Children's Hospital Presents: What is the Coronavirus?: link
Learning with Millie and Suzie - Why We Stay Home: Suzie Learns about Coronavirus: link
Sesame Street Town Hall About COVID (4/25/2020): link
Morningside PC - Geocache Easter Egg Hunt: link
Calendar of Virtual Events for Kids: Free Lessons, Tours, Concerts & Story Times (upparent.com): link
Over 80 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids (upparent.com): link
List of Authors and Illustrators Doing Online Story Time (kidsactivities.com): link
How to Keep Your Kids Busy While You Work From Home (03/18/2020): link
Using the Love Commandment to Talk COVID-19 with Kids (03/18/2020; Sojourners): link
Easy at Home Activities for Your Kids (Annie Poore, St. Simons PC): link
PBS for Parents (activities and learning by age): link
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus (03/06/2020): link
Blanco Vista Elementary PE (feed has several activities and links): link
Georgia attractions set up live streams for kids to enjoy at home and learn including Center for Puppetry Arts (03/18/2020): link
20 Virtual Field Trips to Take with Your Kids (03/15/2020; adventuresinfamilyhood.com): link
Educational Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closures (03/13/2020; kidsactivitiesblog.com): link
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus (Childmind.org): link
Activity to Teach Kids About Germs: link
Learn at Home (Scholastic): link
Schoolhouse Rock (YouTube): link
Additional Ideas:
FaceTime/Zoom with Family & Friends
Books/Stories
Board Games
Card Games
Puzzles
Print Coloring Pages from Web
Go for a Walk
Treasure/Scavenger Hunt