Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic

The pandemic has challenged churches to continue being the church without gathering in person. We have met that challenge by meeting online, live streaming worship and providing instructions for worship at home. Now churches face another challenge. How will we resume worship gatherings in-person while the pandemic is still with us? A new in-depth resource of safe practices for worship during the pandemic has been created by an ecumenical consultation. In addition to representatives from several denominations in the U.S., the consultation team included scientists and medical professionals.

Additional materials are found on the supporting website, including a Spanish edition of the core resource.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday — Service in the time of COVID-19

On Sunday, Sept. 13, congregations will observe “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. This year our church — and our world — are living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing has changed the way we worship and serve. But the need is great, and God’s church is at work.

This year, we encourage you to participate in acts of service in compliance with local health guidelines. Acts of service can happen online, or you can contribute to a project from your home or from a safe physical distance while wearing a mask. As church, we are guided by our life in Christ to share the love of Jesus and serve our neighbors — even if these acts of service look different this year.

Get ready at ELCA.org/DayOfService.

Resourceful Servants Savings Matching Programs

Resourceful Servants, an initiative of the ELCA and its ministry partners, supports leaders and congregations in the ELCA by promoting the financial wellness of seminarians, rostered ministers and congregations through direct financial assistance and resources for financial education. Leaders and congregations that are financially well experience greater health and vitality overall and are better able to carry out the Great Commission — making disciples for Jesus Christ.

Learn more about the Resourceful Servants Savings Matching Programs, designed for ELCA rostered ministers.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday

Fund for Leaders
Virtual celebration

Returning to
in-person worship


As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding
when and how they will be
able to gather again for worship,
this resource offers general
guidance and considerations.





ENGLISH | SPANISH

NEW! ELCA World Hunger
VBS — at home!


Bring your community together
safely this summer for VBS!
Explore easy adaptations of
games, crafts and stories to learn
about the Lord’s Prayer at home.
Join the ELCA World Hunger
VBS Facebook group to learn,
to share and to create program
modifications with others
around the country.

JOIN GROUP | DOWNLOAD

“Seasons of Creation 2020”



Bishop Eaton has joined heads of
churches from the United States
and Canada to author “Seasons of
Creation 2020,” an ecumenical
series of weekly devotions for
Sept. 1 through Oct. 4, the first date
of which is World Day of Prayer
for the Care of Creation.



SINGLE-PAGE | BOOKLET