Skip to main content

Bishop’s COVID-19 Notice #1, March 13, 2020

Dear United Methodist Clergy, Members and Friends:

DO NO HARM.  DO GOOD.  STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD.
John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules, adapted          

DO NO HARM

Day by day we are learning more about COVID-19, or the Coronavirus. We know that as many as 14 days may pass between when a person is exposed to the virus, and when symptoms begin. This means that, as in King and Snohomish Counties in Washington State, the virus can go undetected for some time before it is identified. During that time, the person infected with the virus is exposing others to infection without even knowing it. We also know the virus is highly contagious but that cautious measures can slow down the rate of its spread. Slowing the spread flattens the curve of the peak of an epidemic like this.  If there are too many cases needing medical attention at the same time, they can swamp our hospitals and clinics, making it impossible for all the critical COVID-19 cases, as well as other unrelated medical emergencies to receive timely and proper treatment. 

Consistent with the directives and recommendations issued by Oregon Governor Brown and Washington Governor Inslee and recognizing that persons over 60 or who have compromising health conditions are advised not to attend gatherings of more than 10 people, I am directing the local churches of any size and other ministries in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to suspend in-person worship and other gatherings of more than 10 people for the next two weeks, starting today. Your conference leaders and I will assess unfolding events and update this directive as appropriate, but no later than March 24, before Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

Some people wonder if this strong action is warranted in Alaska, where the first case was just confirmed and Idaho, where COVID-19 has not been detected yet. I am asking you to adopt this discipline as a courageous act of prevention. It is likely that the virus is present, though undetected, as it has been in so many places. We don’t want to risk anyone contracting or spreading this virus in church!

I am also asking conference staff to suspend unnecessary air travel and advising clergy to do the same until further notice.

DO GOOD

The Oregon Health Authority reminds us that “Together, we can minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our most vulnerable community members”. United Methodists strive to live in ways that promote the well-being of others. In this season of spreading disease, I appeal to “extend hospitality to strangers:”

  • keep a social distance of 6 feet, no hugs, hand-shakes or elbow bumps
  • stay home if you don’t feel well
  • practice healthy hygiene

“Contribute to the needs of the saints,” by continuing to support your local church and other vital ministries by your prayers, presence (in spirit and online), gifts (including financial support), service, and witness so that ministries of compassion and justice are uninterrupted. Oregon-Idaho Conference emergency preparedness info, PNW Conference preparedness info, Alaska Conference preparedness info.

In order for ministries serving vulnerable populations to remain open – like childcare, feeding programs, homeless services, AA – strict adherence to safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control or other public health agencies for cleaning, social distancing and health screening guidelines is mandatory.

STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD

In times of uncertainty and vulnerability, human contact and spiritual connection are important. I encourage you to find creative ways to keep in contact with your colleagues and your parishioners during this time. Social media is great, but it’s no substitute for a phone call or face time.

Even as we are encouraged to stay at home, avoid social contact, and worship online, churches and social service agencies need unfailing community support to continue their crucial work of justice and compassion. I hope you will experiment with offering online worship, donations and meetings during this pause. There is great news for churches about Zoom and CCLI licenses.

Finally, in times of crisis fear gives way to hate. People of Asian descent, or those who have traveled abroad report that they have been harassed and stigmatized on the assumption that they brought the virus here. Individuals are not responsible for the virus, and any of us could be carriers. Only perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4: 18). As people of faith, let your words and actions cultivate love all God’s people.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12: 12-13

Please take precautions to keep yourself, loved ones, strangers, congregations, and communities safe.

With gratitude for you and your leadership, and with confidence in the steadfast love and grace of Jesus Christ,

Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky

Opportunities to worship online in the Greater NW

A wide variety of churches in the Greater NW Area offer opportunities to worship online. Some have been offering online worship for years, others are just getting starting because of the spread of COVID-19. Presume that all times are local to the churches in their respective communities. We have churches in the Alaska Time Zone, Pacific Time Zone and Mountain Time Zone.

If your church is not on this list and you’re in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, please email communications@umoi.org with a link and time for your worship service. If you’re a church in the Alaska or Pacific Northwest Conferences, please email communications@pnwumc.org with the same information.

Alaska Conference

Aldersgate UMC (Juneau)
w/ Douglas UMC
10 amFacebook
Anchor Park UMCBOTH/AND with Prerecorded YouTube & Facebook Live at 11 amYouTube
Facebook
Christ First UMC (Wasilla)
Joint Service w/Willow UMC
Prerecorded
11 am
Facebook
Facebook
Every Nation UMC9:30 amFacebook
First UMC (Anchorage)10 amZoom
First UMC (Fairbanks)PrerecordedFacebook
First UMC (Ketchikan)1 pmZoom
Girdwood Chapel UMC10:30 amFacebook
Homer UMC11 amFacebook
Jewel Lake Parish9:30 am Facebook
Kenai UMC (with North Star UMC)10 amOn Zoom & Facebook
Northern Light United Church – Juneau11 amZoom
North Star UMC (w/ Kenai UMC)10 am On Zoom &
Facebook
Palmer UMC9:30 amZoom
St. John UMC 9:15 Trad.
11:30 Contem.
YouTube
Seward and Moose Pass UMCs10:30 amFacebook
Sitka UMC10 amFacebook
Soldotna UMC10 amFacebook
Turnagain UMC10:30 am Zoom
UMC of Chugiak10:15 amFacebook
Willow UMC
Prayer Service w/ Christ First
Prerecorded
& 11 am
Facebook

Pacific Northwest Conference

Aberdeen UMC9 am Facebook
Aldersgate UMC10 amFacebook
Anacortes UMC10 am via Zoom on SundayEmail pastor@umcanacortes.com for link.
Arlington United10:30 amChurch Website
YouTube
Auburn First & Colby UMCPrerecorded Sundays
& Daily Devos
AFUMC Facebook
CUMC Facebook
Battle Ground Community UMCStreamed Live 10:00 am Weekly Message & Worship YouTube
Beacon UMC 11 am Facebook
Bear Creek UMC 10 am Facebook
Bellevue First UMC 10 am Church Website
Bellevue: St. Peter’s UMC10:30 amZoom via link on Website
Blaine Memorial UMC Prerecorded Church Website
Bothell UMC 9 am Church Website
Bremerton UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Brownsville UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Facebook
Bryn Mawr UMC 10:45 am Zoom, contact church for more info
Burien: Highline UMCPrerecordedYouTube
Cedar Cross UMC10 amZoom, Email for info
Central United ProtestantPrerecordedChurch Website
Centralia UMC11 amFacebook
Chehalis UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Cheney UMCPrerecordedYouTube
Clarkston & Lewiston First UMC11 amCUMC Facebook
LFUMC Facebook
Colby & Auburn First UMCPrerecorded Sundays
& Daily Devos
AFUMC Facebook
CUMC Facebook
Colville UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Buzzsprout
Connell UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Community UMC – Coeur d’Alene, IDLivestreaming at 10 amFacebook
YouTube
Website
Cornerstone UMCPrerecordedYouTube
Coupeville UMCLivestreaming on Facebook at 10 a.m. in the summer, 11 a.m. during the school year. Archived streams available on the website.Facebook
Website
Custer UMCPrerecordedWebsite
YouTube
Des Moines UMC Prerecorded Facebook
Connell UMCPrerecordedFacebook
East Wenatchee UMCPrerecordedYouTube
Edmonds UMC 10:30 am Church Website
Ellensburg UMC10 amChurch Website
Elma UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Everett: Centro Palabra Viviente UMC11 am Worship in SpanishFacebook
Fairwood UMC 10 am Facebook
Faith UMC 10 am Facebook
Federal Way UMC 10 am YouTube
Federal Way: Sunrise UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Ferndale: United Church10:30 amFacebook
Fern Prairie UMC10 amFacebook
Fircrest UMC8:30 amWebsite
Facebook
YouTube
Foothills UMC Buckley/Bonney Lake9:30 amFacebook
Garden Street UMC10 amYouTube
Gig Harbor UMC10 amFacebook
Green Lake UMC & Woodland Park UMC 11 am YouTube
Kennewick First UMC10:30 amYouTube via Church Website
Kennewick: West Highlands10 am live on Facebook
Recording on Youtube by Tues. AM
Facebook
YouTube
Kent UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Kingston: Redeemer UMC10 amFacebook
Kirkland: Lake Washington UMC10 amYouTube & Facebook via Church Website
Lacey St. Andrews UMC10 amFacebook
Youtube
Langley UMCVariousFacebook
Lapwai UMC10 am
Bible Study MTWTF @ 9 am
Facebook
Leavenworth Community UMCPrerecorded Facebook
YouTube
Lewiston First & Clarkston UMC11 amCUMC Facebook
LFUMC Facebook
Lewiston: Orchards UMC10 am live on YouTube, shared on Facebook after noon.Facebook
YouTube
Marysville UMC 10:00 am Church Website
Milton UMC 10:30 am Facebook
Moses Lake UMCPrerecordedYouTube
Moscow UMC10:30
Prayer time, Thurs @ 9am
Facebook
Mount Vernon First UMC10:30 amWebsite
Facebook
Oak Harbor First UMC10:00 am
Youth-led service on
Wednesdays at 8 pm
Facebook
Church Website
Oakville UMC10 am Youtube
Ocean Park UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Olympia First UMC10 am YouTube
Orting UMC11 amFacebook
Port Angeles UMC10 am, livestream on YouTube, recorded on FacebookYouTube
Facebook
Port Orchard UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Port Townsend: Trinity UMC10 am
7pm Daily Prayer/Reflection
YouTube
Website
Prosser UMCPrerecordedWebsite
Facebook
Pullman: Simpson UMCPrerecorded Sundays
Daily live devotional
YouTube
Facebook
Puyallup UMC Sundays @ 10 am Website – Live
Website – Archived
Redmond UMC 10 am Zoom
Renton UMC 10:30 am Facebook
Ritzville: Trinity UMC9:30, 10:30 amFacebook
Riverton Park UMC10 am on Rev. Bolerjack FB
Later on RPUMC FB
Facebook
Facebook
Rochester UMC10 am Youtube
Ronald UMC 10:45 am Facebook
Zoom
Sandpoint UMC, Idaho9:30 amFacebook
Seabold UMC10 am
(M-F prayer also)
Facebook
Seattle First Tongan UMC10 amFacebook
Seattle First UMC 10:30 am Website
Seattle: Grace UMC11 am Email Church for Zoom Link
Seattle: Haller Lake UMC10 amZoom
Seattle: Magnolia UMCPrerecorded by 9 amYouTube
Facebook
Website
Seattle: Queen Anne UMCZoom Eucharist. Pre-recorded fuller liturgy.Email Church for Zoom Link
Seattle: Tibbetts UMC10 am on Facebook, SundaysFacebook
YouTube
Website
Seattle: Trinity UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Seattle: University Temple UMC10:30 amFacebook
Seattle: Valley & Mountain11 amFacebook
Selah UMC10:30 amZoom
Shelton UMC10 amYoutube
Shoreline UMCPrerecordedWebsite
Youtube
Facebook
Shoreline: First Fijian UMC FellowshipPrerecordedFacebook
South Sound Co-op10 amFacebook
Church Website
Snohomish UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Facebook
Spanaway UMC10:10 amFacebook
Spokane: Audubon Park UMC10:30 am + weekly
Zoom activities
Church Website
Spokane: Liberty Park UMC11 amFacebook
Spokane: Manito UMC10:30 amFacebook
YouTube
Spokane: Moran UMC10:30 amFacebook
Spokane: St. Paul’s UMC11 am Facebook
Spokane Valley UMC11 amChurch Website
Stanwood UMC10:45 amYoutube
Steamboat Island10 amYoutube
Stevenson UMC10:30 amFacebook
Sequim: Trinity UMCPrerecordedChurch Website
Sumner UMCVia Zoom at 10 amClick for Zoom Info
Tacoma: Browns Point UMCPrerecorded, posted at 8:30 & 10 am on FacebookChurch Website
Facebook
YouTube
Tacoma: Mason UMC10 amFacebook
UMC at Lakewood10 am
Wed, 6 pm on FB
Thursday Prayer, 4 pm Zoom (email invite)
Facebook
United Church in University Place10 amZoom
Vancouver First UMC 10 am YouTube
Facebook
Vancouver Heights10 amFacebook
Vancouver: Mill Plain UMC10 am Facebook
Vancouver: Orchards UMCSundays, Study, Noon on Tues., Disc., Noon on Thurs.Facebook
Vashon UMCSundays @ 10 amZoom
Walla Walla Pioneer10:30 amYouTube
Wallingford UMC 10 am YouTube
Waterville Federated11:30 amZoom
Wenatchee First UMC10 amFacebook
White Salmon UMC11 amFacebook
Willapa UMCPrerecordedFacebook
Woodinville Community10:30 amFacebook
Woodland Park UMC & Green Lake UMC11 amYouTube
Yakima: Wesley UMCPrerecordedYouTube

Oregon-Idaho Conference

Albany UMC10:30 amChurch website
Ashland UMCpre-recordedChurch website
Ashton Community UMC11 am
Recorded
Email for Zoom
YouTube
Astoria First UMC11:15 am – Gathering
11:30 am – Worship service begins
Email for Zoom invite
Banks Community UMC10 amFacebook
Bay City UMC (OR)10 amFacebook
Bend Church9 am, 11 amChurch Website
Boise-Amity9:15, 10:30 am MDTFacebook
Boise downtown9, 10, 11, 11:30 am MDTFacebook
Carus & Marquam UMCs9:30 amEmail for Zoom link.
Coburg UMC9 amYouTube
College UMC Philomath10:30 am
Facebook
Cottage Grove UMCpre-recordedChurch website
Corvallis First UMC9:30 a.m.Facebook
Christ Church – Portland, Beaverton10:30 am Facebook
The Dalles UMC11 amZoom
Ebbert Memorial – Eugene9:30 amEmail pastor for Zoom link
Eugene First UMC9 am, recordedFacebook live
Church website
Gold Hill UMCprerecordedYouTube
Grants Pass: Newman UMC9:45 am, Sun. of FB
On website by Mon.
Facebook
Website
Gresham UMCprerecordedChurch website
Florence UMCPrerecorded,
Zoom Coffee Hour @ 10:45 am (email)
Website
Facebook
Halsey – Spirit of the Valley10:30 amFacebook info
Harmony UMC, Coos Bay11 amFacebook
Hillsboro UMC10 a.m.YouTube
Hood River UMC10 amFacebook
Idaho Falls: St. Paul’s UMC10:30 am MSTFacebook
Jason Lee Memorial (Blackfoot, ID)10:30 a.m.Church website.
Joseph UMCprerecordedChurch website.
John Day UMC9 amFacebook
YouTube
Junction City UMCpre-recorded Church website.
Klamath Falls First UMCprerecordedYouTube
Lake Oswego UMC9:30 amFacebook
Magic Valley Ministries11:50 amFacebook
Medford First UMC10:30 am;
Tues. & Thurs. Meditations @ 1 pm
Facebook
YouTube
Meridian (ID) UMC9:30amWebsite
Nampa UMC10 amWebsite
Nehalem Bay, Tillamook UMC, Camp Magruder11 am Facebook invite to Zoom
Newburg First UMC9:30 am Website
Open Door Churches Salem-Keizer10 amFacebook
Oregon City UMC10 amChurch Website
Portland – Oak Grove UMC10:30 amFacebook
Portland First UMC8:30 am, 10:30 amYouTube
Rainier UMC1:15 p.m.Zoom
Roseburg First UMC9 amFacebook
Rose City Park UMC9 amZoom invitation
Rupert (ID) UMC11 am (MDT)YouTube
Seaside UMC9:15 am – Gathering
9:30 am – Worship service begins
Email for Zoom invite
Silverton UMC9:30 amZoom via links
on Facebook
Stayton UMCrecordedYouTube
Tigard UMC10 a.m.YouTube
Toledo Trinity UMC11 amZoom
Troutdale (OR) – Faith UMC10:45 amFacebook
Trinity UMC (Eugene)10:30 amYouTube
Trinity UMC (Idaho Falls)prerecordedYouTube
Twin Falls (ID) UMC10:50 amFacebook
Upper Rogue UMCprerecordedYouTube
Vermont Hills UMC10:30 amZoom
Facebook
Westside UMC – Beaverton9 amChurch Website
Whitney UMC BoiseprerecordedYouTube

Greater Northwest Conferences offers steep Zoom discount, Alaska & PNW add CCLI streaming license upgrade for local churches

By Patrick Scriven

UPDATE: This Zoom offer for local churches is concluding on Monday, April 27. Please act now if your church needs access to Zoom.


In order to assist local churches during this difficult period, the Conferences of the Greater Northwest Area of The United Methodist Church are sponsoring two special initiatives.

The first offering is access to a Zoom Business hosting license at a heavily subsidized rate of $50. Local churches in Alaska, Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences can submit their request using this simple form.

“During the weeks ahead where we all may need to connect in different ways,” offered Rev. David Valera, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries for the PNW Conference. “We hope that Zoom will serve as a helpful tool for local churches to continue to meet in groups large and small, in worship and other forms of community”

The license churches can purchase will support gatherings of up to 300 persons.

The offer for a subsidized zoom account is now closed. If you would like to be added to the Greater NW Area zoom account at the full rate of $125 for a year, please contact Teri Tobey (ttobey@pnwumc.org) for further assistance.

In addition, the Alaska and Pacific Northwest Conferences have secured streaming permission for the entire CCLI catalog of songs churches in those conferences for the next year. Please note that those churches will still need to secure licensing for songs outside of the CCLI catalogue if they choose to use them online. Some churches have found success with pairing the CCLI license with OneLicense or Christian Copyright Solutions, both of which cover more hymns in the United Methodist Hymnal.”

UPDATE: We are happy to share that OneLicense is offering a free license good through April 15, 2020.

In both the Alaska and Pacific Northwest Conferences, the conference’s insurance coverage has included basic CCLI licensing for local churches for several years. Streaming is an add-on feature that costs between $63 and $93 per license per year depending on the size of the church.

Churches in the Oregon-Idaho Conference are currently responsible for their own CCLI licensing. They are encouraged to contact the company to discuss flexibility in streaming permissions and/or use songs in public domain.

Please be in touch with Regional Media Center Director Ian McKnight (imcknight@pnwumc.org) if you have questions about how to access and use your CCLI license. Each church in the Alaska and PNW Conference has an individual CCLI license number which they should be using whenever they reproduce music for congregational use, and now for streaming online.

As Regional Media Center Manager, Ian is also a great resource for answered copyright and licensing questions for churches in across the Greater Northwest Area.

Zoom Details

We will bill those who sign up for a Zoom account $50 with the option to renew at our full rate (approximately $120) in January of 2021. The same license is available on the Zoom.us site for $19.99 per month (over $250 per year after taxes). One subsidized license is available per local church. An additional scholarship is ready for churches in need.

Please note that we are offering one hosting license on our shared Greater NW account. If you need more than one hosting license, additional licenses would be $125 + Tax.


Patrick Scriven serves as Director of Communications and Young People’s Ministries for the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Livestream Basics for Churches

With news that the Coronavirus outbreak is now classified as a pandemic, and public health officials in Washington State elevating their guidance and requirements for social distancing, we are anticipating that more local churches will need to explore new online options for worship. Rev. David Valera and Patrick Scriven offer advice in this video for churches as they contemplate this move, identifying some of the challenges along the way.

Some of the links mentioned in the video.

For testing your internet connection: speedtest.net

Live Streaming Platforms mentioned
Facebook Live Information page: LINK
YouTube Live Streaming Information Page: LINK

If you have time and haven’t done so already, setting up a non-profit account will give you additional features to control your “brand” and minimize the invasiveness of YouTube advertising. You can find directions for doing this here: http://www.umcom.org/learn/free-access-to-google-products-for-nonprofits

Additional Options

There are a number of streaming services available under monthly or yearly contracts, some designed specifically for churches. Reach out to colleagues who are using a service you like and see what they have to say about it before you invest.

If you are wanting an option that might be more conversational, consider a platform like Zoom (https://zoom.us). At the free level, you can host a conversation with up to 100 participants for 40 minutes. For $15 a month, you have no time limits, and for $20 you can host up to $300 of your closest friends. 🙂

Licensing

We are working on some ways to try to make the addition of the CCLI streaming license easier for local churches. Give us a day or two to see what might be possible.

Questions?

David can be reached at dvalera@pnwumc.org; Patrick at pscriven@pnwumc.org.

We’ll do the best we can to answer questions from United Methodist churches but please be sure to reach out to your Annual Conference Communicator, especially if you aren’t based in the Northwest. They are likely waiting by the phone right now to answer your questions!

Case Study: How one church is applying disaster response protocols to love each other better

Story by Patrick Scriven

RENTON, Wash. — Like many churches in the Seattle area, Fairwood Community United Methodist Church had to adjust worship plans last weekend. With King County discouraging large group gatherings and encouraging persons vulnerable to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to stay home through the end of March, it would have been easy to focus on what they couldn’t do.

Instead, in addition to moving some worship elements online, Fairwood Community UMC continued the work of applying disaster response practices to their planning for whatever might come next. Training developed by UMCOR called Connecting Neighbors helped to inform these efforts.

According to lay member Jim Truitt, the need to accelerate the church’s response got real when an active family shared that they were under self-quarantine, concerned that they might have COVID-19. 

Truitt, who also serves as Disaster Response Coordinator for the Greater Northwest Area, shared some of what they are doing to implement Connecting Neighbors curriculum in the church’s response. Both Truitt and Associate Pastor Carrie Bland have received training in the program, which is offered in both the Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences.

Responding to the immediate concern, the church has been in contact with the family under quarantine, offering support and meals as requested. Truitt shared that they “performed a contact search of everyone the family has been in contact with since exhibiting symptoms,” notifying those they identified and sharing the news with the congregation with a letter. They also cleaned every room of the church that the family visited. 

As encouraged by public health officials and United Methodist Bishop Elaine Stanovsky, the church has adopted new hygiene protocols for those entering and using their facility. Truitt shares that they are utilizing “the expertise of the infection control and medical personnel” in the congregation to define these protocols and to respond safely to requests for help.

Fairwood Community UMC is also compiling a list of its at-risk parishioners. That list includes members who are immunocompromised, are 60+ years old, have chosen not to venture out, live alone, and those we know who have traveled out of the country recently. They are using a phone tree to do wellness checks with those identified and have tasked their Congregational Care Committee to coordinate meals and needed transportation.

“For our congregation, it is becoming a pretty long list,” offered Rev. Bland. Because so many members meet one or more of the at-risk criteria, they are working to divide the list into groupings representing different levels of potential risk and need. 

Bland shared that the Congregational Care Committee has been at work for two years now, activating previously to support members during moments like last year’s “Snowpocalypse.” To adapt to the challenges posed by sheer numbers and the reality that some members don’t use or have access to email, they are looking at creating a “buddy system” to engage more members in care for one another.

Fairwood Community UMC is relying on Truitt to monitor emerging information about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the CDC, WHO, and their state and county health departments. He reviews any COVID-19-related communication the church issues, supporting church leadership, and ensuring that the church is following agreed-upon protocols. 

“A lot that comes out about the Coronavirus is physical,” shared Bland. “How are we as a society addressing the spiritual and emotional components of this situation?” 

For Bland, making sure that a holistic approach to health is addressed is one role she sees for the church in this situation, one it is well-positioned to take on. 

“We hope the congregation will realize there are great ways to care for each other in times like these that might carry forward.”


Patrick Scriven serves as Director of Communications and Young People’s Ministry for the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Electronic giving allows ministry to continue in ‘isolating’ times

Giving to your local church means giving to your local communities. Passing the offering plate in church on Sunday mornings is a physical and symbolic reminder of Jesus’ commitment to ministering to all those around us.

When church attendance is slowed or completely stopped, though, to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, offering online giving is a way to continue to feel connected to your local church and its many ministries.

There are several easy steps churches can implement right now to create an online giving platform.

United Methodist Communications offers these suggested resources for online/electronic giving options.

Here are some examples of church “Donate” or “Give” web pages across the Greater Northwest Area of The UMC:

Stewardship and finance experts from across the Greater Northwest Area recommend churches use direct bank transfers – electronic funds transferring – so that churches experience fewer fees than using a platform based solely on credit card donations. However, they acknowledge that credit card apps are sometimes easier for those who give.

Management of online donations may seem like a daunting new process for churches, but many who have already implemented such changes said churchgoers appreciate the convenience of online giving. Connect with Dan Wilson-Fey in the Oregon-Idaho Conference at dan@umoi.org or Rik Jamieson for the Alaska or Pacific Northwest Conferences at rjamieson@pnwumc.org if you have questions.

This is an opportune moment for the Church, called to serve in God’s world in new ways. After the Coronavirus is long gone, churches will have established a sustainable, flexible way to continue supporting God’s kin-dom.

United Methodist churches hosting online worship on March 8 #Coronavirus

By Patrick Scriven

The following local churches have communicated that they are canceling worship, or including a special online component this week, in response to concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Some will be livestreaming a special service at a set time; others are uploading prerecorded content.

Please note that in addition to COVID-19, we all lose an hour this Sunday due to Daylight Savings Time this week.

A general note to churches. Please make sure that your plan for this week is clear on the homepage of your website in addition to your primary social media accounts.

This page will be updated as information comes in. Please send additions or corrections to communications@greaternw.org.

Church Onsite Worship Time Online Worship Link/Info
Aldersgate UMC No 11:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/AldersgateUMCBellevueWA
Beacon UMC No 11:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/pg/beaconumc
Bear Creek UMC No 10:00 AM https://www.bcumc.org/ & Facebook, Youtube
Bellevue First UMC No Prerecorded https://fumcbellevue.org/sermons
Blaine Memorial UMC No Prerecorded http://blaineonline.org/
Bothell UMC No 9:00 AM https://www.bothellumc.org
Bryn Mawr UMC No Prerecorded https://www.facebook.com/brynmawrumchurch
Des Moines UMC No Prerecorded https://www.facebook.com/desmoinesunitedmethodistchurch
Edmonds UMC No 10:30 AM https://edmondsumc.org/worship/sundaymorning
Fairwood UMC No 10:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/pg/fairwoodcommunityunitedmethodistchurch/
Faith UMC No 10:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/FaithChurchWA
Federal Way UMC No 10:00 AM https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUd5C2SzCeq0x-ycPufcDZg
Green Lake UMCYes9:30 AMhttps://youtu.be/LZbFJovbfQk
Haller Lake UMCNoN/ANo Online Worship
Lake Washington UMC No N/A No Online Worship, encouraging Gospel reading
Marysville UMC No 10:00 AM http://www.marysvilleumc.org/worshiponline.html
Milton UMC Yes 10:30 AM https://www.facebook.com/dojusticelovekindnesswalkhumblywithgod/
Olympia First UMCYesRecorded after Church Special stream of Sermon: https://www.facebook.com/FUMCOLY/
Port Orchard UMC No Prerecorded https://www.portorchardumc.org/
Puyallup UMCYesPrerecordedhttps://www.puyallupumc.org/watch
Redmond UMC No 10:00 AM https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7444090420
Renton UMC Yes 10:30 AM https://www.facebook.com/events/671256986952789/
Ronald UMC Yes 10:30 AM https://zoom.us/j/867526399
Seattle First UMC No 10:30 AM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsHeJOaaE5o&feature=youtu.be
St. Peter’s UMC No TBD Alternative Worship by phone call-in.
Details: https://stpetersumc.net/call-in/
Tibbetts UMC No N/A No Online Worship
Trinity UMC – Ballard No Prerecorded https://www.facebook.com/Trinityumcballard
Trinity UMC
Port Townsend
No10:00 AMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV8u-vtPjp1kYiYDxd6HUag/live
University Temple UMC Yes TBD Video available Sunday afternoon.
Valley and Mountain No 11:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/valleyandmouNtainorg
Vancouver First UMCYes10:00 AMhttps://video.ibm.com/channel/583uQMbDpp4
Wallingford UMC No 10:00 AM https://www.facebook.com/wallingfordumc/

Patrick Scriven serves as Director of Communications, Young People’s Ministry for the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Staying “Church Connected” when it matters most

Compiled by Kathy Bryson and Larry Johnson

The local church is a place where people connect — with God, with each other and in the community. People naturally turn to the church in times of a crisis seeking meaning, peace, and healing. A church that is prepared can help mitigate the emotional and spiritual impact of a disaster and may be a place of hospitality and sanctuary in times of critical need. A plan can speed the immediate response and help lessen those feelings of confusion, loneliness, and isolation that are so common after disasters. 

Here are some suggestions to stay “Church Connected”:

Congregation Checks
Prepare a method of checking on the congregation of the church when a disaster strikes. i.e. developing a “telephone tree” or utilizing “prayer chains” communications. Develop an “Outreach Committee.” Update and make church directories available.

Click to see full-size Phone Tree Template

Check on shut-ins and most vulnerable church members first
Call, visit, reach out to family members to make contact with church members. Notify the local rescue squad if there is a call for concern or evacuation, giving all pertinent details. 

Companions
Arrange for people (volunteers) to serve as companions for vulnerable or disaster-affected people. Companions should be prepared to listen, run errands, make phone calls; anything to help church members feel more comfortable and ease the anxiety. If possible, arrange for persons with skills in signing for the hearing impaired, and translators for non-English speaking people. 

Make contingencies for providing services as soon as possible after the disaster 
Consider identifying an alternate location in case the church is damaged, perhaps including a reciprocal agreement with another church. Be open to alternative ways of holding service — videotape service, use website, and online capabilities.  Be prepared in the event that the pastor is affected by the disaster. 

Determine ways existing ministries can continue in the event the church is damaged
Develop a plan in case in-church ministries, such as child care, bible study, AA meetings, etc. need to be canceled. Identify and plan for ministries your church will engage in during a disaster, such as feeding, donations distribution, information center, etc.


Larry Johnson serves as Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Along with her husband Dana, Kathy Bryson serves as Disaster Response Coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference.

Coronavirus en nuestra Comunidad

Dios es nuestro amparo y nuestra fortaleza,
nuestra ayuda segura en momentos de angustia.
Por eso, no temeremos…
Salmo 46:1,2

Metodistas Unidos del Gran Noroeste Area,

La noticia de la propagación del Coronavirus (COVID-19) dentro de los Estados Unidos está causando gran preocupación. Si bien esto es particularmente grave en el área de Seattle, los miembros de las comunidades religiosas de todo el país están haciendo preguntas sobre cómo esto podría afectar las formas en que adoran y practican su fe tanto dentro como fuera de sus edificios.

Cada vez es más claro que el virus COVID-19 es un peligro para las personas y nuestras comunidades en el area Gran Noroeste y especialmente en el Condado de King, Washington, donde se propagó sin ser detectado por algún tiempo. La capacidad de evaluar a todas las personas con síntomas continúa rezagada con respecto a la necesidad de esta prueba.

Debido a esto, reunirse como comunidades de fe puede poner a las personas en riesgo de exposición al COVID-19. Estoy animando a seguir una gran cantidad de precauciónes en nuestras iglesias, siguiendo la sabiduría y los consejos del Departamento de Salud del condado de King.

Recomendaciones del departamento de salud pública para residentes e iglesias en los condados de King y Snohomish, en el estado de Washington.

Ayer, la ciudad de Seattle y el condado de King emitieron pautas temporales de salud pública destinadas a frenar la propagación de COVID-19 y reducir el riesgo de exposición. Al describir la situación como “un paisaje cambiante”, el Ejecutivo del Condado de King, Dow Constantine, expreso que se deben evitar las reuniones de grupos grandes de 10 o más personas. Esto luego se ajustó a 50 personas.

Esta mañana, el Distrito de Salud de Snohomish siguió al condado de King al anunciar que también está recomendando evitar las reuniones innecesarias de grupos grandes de más de 50.

Como su Obispa, solicito encarecidamente que los pastores de iglesias y otros ministerios dentro del condado de Seattle y King sigan las recomendaciones del Departamento de Salud Pública. Estas pautas, sujetas a cambios a medida que la situación evoluciona, definen las poblaciones vulnerables, fomentan las prácticas seguras en nuestros entornos de trabajo, limitan el tamaño de las reuniones públicas, ofrecen orientación para las escuelas y las personas enfermas, y dan consejos a quienes buscan mantenerse saludables.

Actualmente, la orientación del Departamento de Salud Pública significa que se les pide a las iglesias que no reúnan a grandes grupos de personas para adoración, conciertos o comidas compartidas. Además, la gravedad de la situación significa que deberiamos posponer la celebración de la comunión hasta fin de mes y prestar especial atención a la limpieza de nuestras instalaciones. Para muchas congregaciones en los condados de King y Snohomish, estas recomendaciones son una invitación a encontrar otras formas de estar en oración y relacionarse entre ellos.

Recomendaciones del Departmento de salud pública para iglesias fuera de los condados de King y Snohomish, Washington.

Si vive o trabaja, o está involucrado en una iglesia fuera del condado de King o Snohomish, le recomiendo que comience ahora a desarrollar planes para identificar y preservar los ministerios de su iglesia local cuando COVID-19, o algún otro desastre , llega a su pueblo.

La Guía Provisional para Comunidades de Fe del CDC se publicó esta semana y cada líder debe tomarse el tiempo de revisarla. Una lista de producida hace varios años para preparar a las comunidades religiosas para una pandemia de gripe puede ser una guía útil.

Aquellos que hayan recibido el programa Conectando Vecinos producido por UMCOR pueden ser un recurso para las iglesias que son nuevas en este tipo de trabajo. Una lista de personas capacitadas estará disponible pronto junto con otros recursos en el sitio web del Gran Noroeste area.

Palabra de aliento para todas las Iglesias en el area del Gran Noroeste

Es natural que las personas se pongan ansiosas ante una enfermedad desconocida que no muestra síntomas durante muchos días después de haber infectado a una persona. Este es sin duda un momento de preocupación, y para tomar precauciones, pero no es el momento del pánico

Cuando la salud y la vida están en juego, las organizaciones deben cooperar con la última información recibida y deben recibir direccion de los departamentos de salud estatales y del condado y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).

Hemos creado una página en el sitio web del Gran Noroeste area que proporciona un fácil acceso a estos sitios y hemos creados enlaces de varios recursos específicos que estaran disponibles para las iglesias en los próximos días.

Es en momentos como estos que las personas de fe se llenan de coraje de persistencia y confianza en Dios. Es hora de hacer todo lo posible para promover la salud y el bienestar y asegurarnos de que nosotros y las personas en los círculos de nuestro cuidado estén seguros y tengan lo que necesitan mientras vivimos esta temporada de enfermedad.

Obispa Elaine JW Stanovsky


Cambios en Practicas para la Oficina de la Conferencia del PNW

En respuesta a la recomendación de Seattle y el departamento del salud del condado King, los empleados que trabajan en la Oficina de la Conferencia del Noroeste del Pacífico tienen la facultad discreta de trabajar desde sus casas hasta finales de marzo. La oficina no se está cerrando, pero el número de empleados que trabajaran desde la oficina de la conferencia será menor.

Esperamos que esto nos permita ayudar y asistir a las iglesias locales según sea necesario, le pedimos su gracia mientras nos adaptamos a esta medida.

Tenemos la intención de seguir esta guía para el mes de marzo, pero evaluaremos semanalmente y realizaremos ajustes a medida que sigamos vigilando de cerca la situación. Si tiene previsto asistir a una reunión en la Oficina de la Conferencia de PNW durante este período de tiempo, póngase en contacto con la persona encargada de la reunion. Cuando sea práctico, trasladaremos las reuniones a Zoom para limitar el viaje de las personas al condado de King. Algunas reuniones también pueden posponerse o cancelarse.

Worship in the midst of an outbreak

Worship in the midst of an outbreak


By Rev. David Valera & Patrick Scriven

Many faith communities are considering alternative ways of worshiping this weekend after guidance from both King and Snohomish Counties recommended canceling or postponing large gatherings of more than 50 people.

Faith communities with a practice of sharing parts or all of their worship online may feel less stressed by this, but there are still gaps that online worship can’t fill. Others may recognize this as an excellent time to experiment or jump right into some new form of online engagement.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for faith communities when it comes to connecting with people in meaningful ways. As you make decisions, consider what would work best for the people in your community and use this as an opportunity to stretch into a new practice, perhaps one that you will embrace even after some semblance of normalcy returns.

As you move to consider new ways of worship, don’t forget that the most important contact is still person to person, even if that may need to happen in smaller groups or over the phone. Keep in mind those who may be experiencing isolation and anxiety, and consider an audit of your congregation so that those who may be especially vulnerable to this virus have the support they need.

Worship Online?

If you have access to a recent smartphone and a decent wifi connection, you have most everything you need to facilitate rudimentary streaming. While specialized gear may get you better results, most smartphones are capable of more than most people realize.

If you are going online, you have some decisions to make, which we’ve broken into four basic parts:

  • What do you want to stream?
  • Will it be live?
  • What platform will you use?
  • Do I need to think about licensing?

What do you want to stream?

Even for churches that already stream their entire service, what to stream is still a relevant question. There is a difference between recording worship in front of a congregation and trying to produce something for a web audience with no one else in the room with you. You’ve got the equipment and platform, take some time to adapt to this new situation creatively.

For churches who only share a sermon or special music currently, how will you embrace this opportunity to up your game? Is there a way to make it more interactive than just hearing a message or piece of music? We’ll get into this a bit more when we talk about platforms.

For churches who haven’t yet waded into these digital waters, this may be the perfect moment to stretch into something new. Start small. Try recording a short homily and share it on your church’s Facebook page or another social media platform you have available to you.

Will it be live?

If this isn’t something you do regularly, why make it harder? Platforms like Facebook and YouTube allow you to upload content with relative ease. Facebook even permits you to schedule and release prerecorded material as if it is live

Unless you are planning to do something interactive, like verbally responding to questions in chat as you speak, there isn’t much to gain from working without a proverbial net. Prerecording your content allows you to do multiple takes and even a little postproduction of what you have filmed.

In any case, check out the recording tips, which you’ll find on this page.

Tips for making good online videos using just a smartphone

Inside a church or building:

  1. Camera – Smartphone with a good camera and lens.
    1. Make sure the lens is clean.
    2. Stabilize your phone/camera – make sure you don’t block your microphone.
    3. Keep the lens at eye level.
  2. Lighting – make sure you have adequate lighting. Find the best location in the sanctuary.
    1. Avoid harsh, direct lighting especially on faces.
    2. Try not to be constrained to the pulpit.
    3. It’s a great opportunity to be creative.
  3. Sound – test your audio by making a few short recordings, before you go live. Avoid echoes.
    1. Know where the mic in your camera is. You may have to remove protective casing.
    2. Stay within 2-4 feet from your mic/phone.
    3. If you have a headphone/mic for your smartphone, use it. This option can produce very good quality audio. 
    4. Audio quality is just as important as your video. The goal is to make sure your viewers clearly understand your message.

Bonus tip to Pastor/worship leaders – Don’t take too long to introduce what you are doing.

Write down your opening and closing spiel. Make your endings smart and connected to your message. Open well and end best!

What platform will you use?

Facebook Live, Zoom, YouTube. There are dozens of possibilities. My best advice is to choose the platform you are most comfortable with that is also accessible to the majority of your congregants.

For most churches, the Facebook Live option is a good one to consider. The majority of churches already have a Facebook page and may find themselves just a couple steps away from being able to go live. It also has a flexible definition of the word “live,” allowing you to upload a message and watch along with congregation members, interacting with them and even answering questions they might pose. Contrary to what some believe, Facebook videos are available to view by people without an account, and you can embed them on a church website.

YouTube might be the platform of choice if there is a preference for something other than Facebook. It is often easier to place YouTube videos as content in other places, but social engagement might take a hit.

A compelling option if you want to do something creative and interactive is Zoom. While there are other video-conferencing platforms, Zoom is the easiest to use in my experience. The basic free account will allow you to host up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes. The same features are available for $14.99 per month with no time limits. For a few dollars more, you can host up to 300 people.

Do I need to think about licensing?

It depends on what you intend to stream, but the short answer is yes if you are planning to include live or prerecorded music. 

In the U.S., churches have a copyright exemption that allows the performance and display of copywritten work of a religious nature during religious services. If you read that carefully, the exemption is pretty narrow, and it is understood that it does not permit the broadcast of those works online live or recorded. Stanford University is one excellent resource for additional info on copyright.

If you intend to stream music, and you don’t want to limit yourself to the greatest hits of the 19th century, the solution is a streaming license. The WorshipCast Streaming license offered by CCS covers a range of songs, CCLI offers a solution as well as an add-on to their basic licensing. Each covers some things that the other doesn’t as far as the use of content goes. This document captures some of the differences.  

Got questions?

We hope that you find this resource helpful as you adapt to the situation we are facing. As you discern the best practices for you, remember that there is a wealth of information on many of these topics, just a short Google-search away. If you’ve got questions, send them to communications@greaternw.org, and we’ll try to answer them.

Finally, remember that you are a part of a connectional church. If pulling off an online service isn’t going to work for you, reach out to one of your colleagues, and encourage your congregants to join you online at their church.