Lackawanna, Lehigh, and Northumberland Presbyteries jointly offered a series of important Zoom workshops on topics of concern for churches in the COVID-19 era: re-opening our buildings, the financial impact of remote worship, and the format(s) of our worship and other ministries as we move forward. These workshops were open to everyone: church members, elders, and ministers. They began with a presentation highlighting the major issues, followed by a Q & A time and conversation. The workshops were recorded and posted below.
Theological, Ecclesiastical, and Practical Issues Related to Re-opening Church Buildings
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 – Current PC(USA) Co-Moderator Rev. Cindy Kohlman will help us explore the complexities of returning to our sanctuaries in the midst of the current pandemic. What is the church’s faithful response in red, yellow, and green regions of Pennsylvania?
Rev. Kohlmann shared some important information on Returning to the Building →
Generosity in Uncertain Times
Wednesday, June 10, 2020 – Ministry Relations Officer Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley and Vice President for Planned Giving Resources Karl Mattison, both from the Presbyterian Foundation, will help us address the effects COVID-19 has on stewardship and giving–now and in the future.
Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley and Karl Mattison shared some important information on stewardship, giving, and best practices now and going forward. Here is the document Karl Mattison shared: Generosity in Uncertain Times →
The Expanded Table: Ideas for a Hybridized Worship Experience Between People on Zoom and People in Person (Synod-wide)
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 – Former PC(USA) Moderator Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow will led us in a conversation about how churches’ new ways of worshiping can be combined with pre-COVID-19 worship as a both/and rather than an either/or.
Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow shared some informative information on worship practices and what is needed. To view the powerpoint he shared during the workshop click this link The Expanded Table PowerPoint →