Ministry Resources and Guidance on COVID-19/Coronavirus

State of Iowa
Proclamation of Disaster Emergency

Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the Public Health Disaster Emergency. The proclamation imposes a number of additional public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The most recent health proclamation was signed on January 7 and will continue until Thursday, February 6, 2020.

The indoor masks/face coverings mandate applies to most congregational settings with the exception of worship services. Most notably, Section 4 of the proclamation does not apply to:

E. Any person giving a religious, political, media, artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical presentation or performance for an audience; 

and

F. Any person participating in a service at a spiritual or religious gathering. 

The prohibition of indoor gatherings of more than 15 and outdoor gatherings of more than 30 does expired in December and is no longer in effect, though it did not apply to spiritual/religious gatherings.

GATHERINGS

SECTION SIX.  

E. Spiritual and religious gatherings: Spiritual and religious gatherings, including any funerals or weddings, are not prohibited by this section. But a church, synagogue, or other host of a spiritual or religious gathering shall implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each gathering to ensure social distancing of employees, volunteers, and other participants, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

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Suggestions for Word and Sacrament Ministry

All in-person meetings should ensure proper sanitary precautions. Please make hand sanitation stations throughout the congregation, but especially in key areas where resources are available for pickup. We recommend no meals and social gatherings take place. Please consider the impact of the current governmental and CDC recommendations, especially as they pertain to worship services, weddings, and funerals. As congregations seek to accommodate for Gov. Reynolds’  State of Public Health Disaster Emergency declaration, we are recommending congregations find alternative ways to continue Word and Sacrament Ministry. Some suggestions are:

Ministry of the Word

If your congregation has the capability you could video yourself reading the lectionary for that Sunday followed by a sermon that you preach. You would be robed and vested. Some might want to video a Matins service with hymns if you are comfortable singing without others joining you. You could then post the video on your website or on YouTube or Facebook page for the membership to watch. If you do not have that capability then you could send an email copy of your sermon to each members home. If some members do not have a computer or internet access, home visits would need to be an added part of your schedule.

Baptism

Baptism is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the child. This is a must. These would be conducted with 10 or less in attendance.

Funerals

This is the most difficult one to assess. The funerals would be conducted but with 10 or less in attendance. The decision of who the 10 are would be family decisions. A memorial service could be conducted when the order is lifted.

Weddings

Also very difficult to assess. The wedding could be delayed but if that is not a desire of the couple you would conduct the wedding for the couple with a few witnesses in attendance. All licenses would be signed, sent into the county and a new household is established. A celebration of their vows could be conducted at a later date with all the trimmings they would have had on their wedding day. The couple will certainly have a story to tell their grandchildren someday.

Service of the Sacrament

This is the one that is going to take some adjustment. One thing you could do is to list certain hour or hours you will be vested and robed in the Sanctuary on which ever day you choose. It would make sense to do this on a Sunday but any day or time would work. You would ask those folks who wish to commune to be at the church during the hours you post. You would commune one table at a time (probably 10 or less, they would be the only ones in the Sanctuary). You would do this for the entire time you had slotted. If more time is needed then allow more time to do this. I would suggest that you speak the words of institution for each table. Have them confess the Nicene Creed and pray the Lord’s Prayer together then commune and leave. You could do this for each week that you normally would have had the Sacrament.

Confession and Absolution

Since this is done privately I don’t think anything would have to change or be adjusted for this. There may be more making use of it in these trying time that before which is always a good thing.

Offerings

I think this is going to be an issue the elders or yourself will need to address. Lack of attendance in person can result in lack of offerings. There are a few things to highlight here: First, the mission and ministry of the Church continues to accumulate expenses no matter the social condition; Second, you as pastor will not cease the responsibilities of your Called vocation for their sake. Bills will still need to be paid and mission work will continue and maybe even increase. Your work load may even expand with additional hours and trips to those who are bound to their homes.