As we live into new ways of being the Church during this pandemic, look to this page for resources, updates, and news as it relates to our conference churches and the United Church of Christ.
United Church of Christ Office: Coronavirus and the Church
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. It is caused by a virus that can also live on surfaces near where an infected person has coughed, sneezed or exhaled. It has spread throughout the world in the first quarter of 2020, causing illness, and, in some cases, death. Its effects in various countries and localities have ranged from cancellations of public gatherings, to limits or bans on travel, to drops in financial markets.
Like other organizations, churches must take appropriate health precautions. We also have a special responsibility to care for members and neighbors. This web page contains information that all settings of the United Church of Christ – local churches, associations, conferences and national ministries – have contributed to and may find useful. Resources also come from our ecumenical partners and respected health organizations.
State of Illinois – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Resources for Illinois Residents
City of Chicago: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The City of Chicago is committed to providing leadership and help throughout the evolving COVID-19 crisis. As this situation develops, we will continue to offer resources and support to people across the city. This website provides the latest information on a range of topics regarding COVID-19.
- Older Adults and Other People at Higher Risk
- Individuals
- Face Coverings
- Testing
- Homeless Shelters
- COVID-19 Screening Tool
- Food Service
- Travelers
- Mental Health Services
- Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities
- Homeless Shelters
- COVID-19 Screening Tool
- Businesses and Employers
- Congregate Settings
- Schools and Institutions of Higher Education
- Community- and Faith-based Organizations
- Funeral Homes
- Get the Facts: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (English, Spanish)
- What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms (English, Spanish, Po
lish) - What to do if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
- What to do if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19
- What to do if you don’t have health insurance
- Tips on Managing Anxiety about COVID-19
- Guidance for Parents in Talking to Children about COVID-19 – New!
Advocate Aurora Health information page:
https://www.advocateaurorahealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019
Advocate Aurora Health in Spanish information page:
https://es.advocateaurorahealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019/covid19-vaccine/
Advocate Faith and The Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation:
https://www.faithhealthtransformation.org/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/
Association of United Church Educators (AUCE)
Association of United Church Educators has curated the following lists of educational resources on their website.
>COVID 19-Home Resouces
>Holy Week and Easter at Home Activities and Resources
CARES Act:
>Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the UCC, has released a document on the CARES Act and how it concerns churches in particular. It addresses the question of whether churches should apply for federal funding, even if eligible, and some common questions about the Paycheck Protection Program and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act. Read 2020 Memo Here.
>CARES Act – Frequently Asked Questions (Pension Boards)
>SBA Faith-Based FAQ on Payroll Protection Plan
Convergence: (Website)
>Ten Ways the Church Will be Changed by COVID-19
>How To Do Church Online
>What Will Happen To Our Churches?
Cook County Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Special Edition
Easter Resources:
Color Me Easter Eggs drawing by Suzanna Vasko
They were created by Suzanna Vasko, daughter of Rev. Kim Whisler-Vasko, pastor of St. John’s UCC in Lyons. Rev. Kim asks that you keep her daughter’s signature and contact information when you use them. Her daughter’s business, like many, is struggling in this time. So prayers to her as we pray for all struggling in so many ways in this time.
Faith in Place:
Resource for individuals and Houses of Worship
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights:
Has compiled a google doc in English and Spanish with Resources for immigrants during the COVID- 19 Crisis.
Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ (E-Blast Communication):
>View current and past editions here
>April 2020 – Illinois Conference New Beginnings E-Blast
>COVID-19 Protocols for all Illinois Conference Employees
>RECOMMENDATION TO SUSPEND ALL IN PERSON WORSHIP & GATHERINGS IMMEDIATELY
Illinois Department of Public Health
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Illinois Test Results (Updates)
Insurance Boards Partners in Protection: (Website)
>SAFETY TIPS & RESOURCES to help your church stay informed about CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
>Online Learning
Essential training and information for church leaders through free interactive sessions that will empower you with expert advice on church safety and security.
National Council of Churches: (website)
Sign up to receive scriptures, prayers, and meditations
Pension Boards United Church of Christ (website)
>Read the latest updates from PBUCC during the COVID-19 global emergency.
>UCBMA Emergency Assistance Grants
The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), is the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, operates with a covenantal spirit as it provides direct financial support and compassionate responses to authorized ministers, lay church employees, and their surviving spouses/partners, in times of urgent need and personal crises.
>Herring and Stark Memorial Funds
The Herring and Stark Memorial Funds provide grants for those completing their seminary education to create an account in the Annuity Plan for the United Church of Christ and begin saving for a more secure retirement.
Practical Resources for Churches (PRC)
Education-based service organization providing consultants, educational webinars, workshops and resources.
United Church of Christ Mental Health Network: (Website)
Overcoming Isolation (newsletter)
UCC Wider Church Ministries – Humanitarian Development Team
COVID-19 Daily Briefing from Disaster Ministries
World Health Organization(WHO):
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Additional information:
- Pandemic Preparations: Inquiring Minds Want to Know(SNEUCC Disaster Resource and Response Team)
Bookmark these resources for developing information: