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Synod COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources

With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wisconsin, across the country, and around the world, congregations need to be well-informed and well-prepared. The following information offers guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within our communities, as the body of Christ. This page will be continually updated as often as possible as more information is shared from the ELCA and the synod.

For COVID-19 virus information visit the CDC and World Health Organization websites.

Information and communications are located just below, for pandemic resources scroll towards the middle of the page following Bishop Eaton’s video message. Resources geared toward connecting in this time of physical distancing (including digital worship resources) have been relocated to our Connected Community page.

Find Resources for
Staying Connected Here

Find Streaming & Recorded
Worship Here

Many new resources have been added
to the ELCA Public Health website including
information on the Federal Government’s
response, small business loans, the CARES
Act, the Families First Act and more.

ELCA.org/PublicHealth
March 28, 2020 Video Message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

During these times of COVID-19/Coronavirus, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton provides some thoughts as many of us are quarantined.

March 12, 2020 Video Message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

In her message to this church about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said that even though “this is a time of disruption. It is also a time for us to live and act as faithful people of God.”

Coronavirus Response Resources

The resources below aim to help us respond to the health crisis. For resources on staying connected and in community (including worship) please also visit our Connected Community page.

Wisconsin Council of Churches Resource
for new Safer-at-Home Order March 24, 2020

WCC Resource

Sample Congregational Emergency
Preparedness Plan

Emergency Preparedness Plan

ELCA guidance for Rostered Leaders and congregations for funerals during this health crisis.

ELCA Funeral Guidance

Information for congregations to maintain giving levels during times when worship in-person is not possible.

Online Giving Resources

The Wisconsin Council of Churches has curated and written many great resources for congregations in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

WCC Resources

Augsburg Fortress offering temporary expanded licensing for streaming worship services for those who currently have or purchase licensing from Augusburg Fortress. From March 15 through May 31, 2020, congregaitons will have new permission to livestream or podcast ALL liturgy and music content under copyright to or administered by Augsburg Fortress when that content is being used for worship.

Augsburg Fortress

OneLicense is offering congregations a gratis license to help congregations who may choose to begin live streaming or recording worship services (Follow the link to the right and click on banner at the top of the website for more information).

OneLicense.net

*Note that links to resources above do not necessarily represent endorsement by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA; they are simply provided as a public service. Be sure to carefully vet any information, offer or service.

Have Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to the synod office at any time via phone at (608) 270-0201 or email office@scsw-elca.org.

For information about setting up electronic giving from Tithe.ly contact Deacon Vicki Hanrahan at the synod office or email vickih@scsw-elca.org.

For information or help streaming or recording worship services and sharing them online contact Jason Poole-Xiong, Synod Web Manager & Technical Consultant via email jasonx@scsw-elca.org.

If your congregation is offering digital worship opportunities (live or recorded) please let us know HERE.