By Ann Leaman
Ohio Conference Resource Advocate

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters a new phase and many local health restrictions are lifted, how should our congregations approach in-person worship?

Anabaptist Worship Network has explored this topic in a recent webinar titled “Worship and Reopening Churches.” If you would like to watch a recording of this webinar, you can find it online at https://bit.ly/WorshipandReopeningChurches. Slides from this webinar also are available online: https://bit.ly/WorshipandReopeningSlides.

Another resource which deals with questions about in-person worship comes from an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians and pastors. This group has released a guide called “Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic,” which can be found online at http://bit.ly/Care-FilledWorship.  This document was published in early June, a year after the group’s initial guidance document. This updated document incorporates the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anneli Loepp Thiessen of Anabaptist Worship Network notes, “This is a very helpful new document with clear ideas and practical advice for reopening.”