Coronavirus
Grand Canyon Synod’s
Covid-19 news & resource page
This page is revised and updated as we learn more of this rapidly changing situation.
Keep scrolling to see all information.
With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States and around the world, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. The ELCA and Grand Canyon Synod have created pages with information that offers guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within our communities, as the body of Christ. For more info, regularly visit:
gcsynod.org/coronavirus (this page).
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC.gov):
CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Home | Español | 中文World Health Organization (WHO.int):
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak homeArizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS.gov):
AZDHS Coronavirus Disease 2019 HomeNevada Department of Health and Human Services (dhhs.nv.gov):
Nevada Health Response, nvhealthresponse.nv.gov
Regularly updated resources
On this page keep scrolling to find:
COVID-19 Information
ELCA Resources
Worship in Times of Public Health Concerns: English | Spanish (updated March 20, 2020)
Prayers for Times of Public Health Concern: COVID-19/Coronavirus: English | Spanish
Intercessory Prayers in the midst of the spread of COVID-19 from the Lutheran World Federation: English | Spanish
How to stream your worship service — A starter guide: English | Spanish
Congregational Planning Checklist for Public Health Concerns English | Spanish
Stewardship of gifts: Members may be wonder how to support ministries if they are ill or choosing to stay home. A majority of ELCA congregations currently offer online giving, and all still accept checks. For congregations looking for online giving, the ELCA has negotiated with preferred vendors who can quickly respond with options. Contact Brian Flatgard with the GCS Office if you have questions on how to set up online giving.
Government & Health Organization Resources
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC.gov)
Other National Government Resources
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Capacity-Building Toolkit for including Aging & Disability Networks in Emergency Planning
For local information and for recommendations on community actions designed to limit exposure to COVID-19, check with your state and local public health authorities.
Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS.gov)
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (dhhs.nv.gov)
World Health Organization (WHO.int)
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends these everyday preventive actions to arrest the spread of respiratory diseases:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC recommendations for using a face mask.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Coronavirus News
Prayers
Washing your hands for 20 seconds?
Reciting the Lord’s Prayer is just the right amount of time.
Prayers for Times of Public Health Concern: COVID-19/Coronavirus | Spanish
These prayers and prayer suggestions may be used or adapted as needed. Know that your local context may lead to additional prayers that reflect local needs and situations. The conclusion of the prayers may be easily adapted when included as part of the prayers of intercession. View in English | Spanish.
God, our peace and our strength, we pray for our nation and the world as we face new uncertainties around coronavirus. Protect the most vulnerable among us, especially all who are currently sick or in isolation. Grant wisdom, patience, and clarity to health care workers, especially as their work caring for others puts them at great risk. Guide us as we consider how best to prepare and respond in our families, congregations, workplaces, and communities. Give us courage to face these days not with fear but with compassion, concern, and acts of service, trusting that you abide with us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a situation in which a worship community may be advised against gathering:
Gracious God, it is good for us to gather as your beloved in community. We treasure your presence with us in word and meal, song and prayer. Be with us in these days when gathering together as often as we would like is not possible. When we must be apart for reasons of safety, we trust that you surround us with your sheltering wings. Encourage us in connecting as we are able, reaching out to our neighbors in need and being persistent in prayer. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our constant companion. Amen.
Daily Prayers
More Coronavirus Resources
The New York Times (NYTimes.com)
The New York Times is providing free coronavirus coverage access to their most important updates and most useful guidance on the global coronavirus crisis.
NYTimes Guide: How to Prepare for the Coronavirus
Though our creeds do not speak of Jesus’ teachings, miracles or example, give thanks that, through Scripture, the Spirit reveals Jesus to be the source of our redemption and a trustworthy guide, instructing us how to live with one another, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world today.