COVID-19 Pandemic Resources

Congregational Support Toolkit

• Communities of Faith may be eligible for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program.   ***NEW***
• Communities of Faith and Vaccination Policies ***NEW***
• Checklist for Reopening ***NEW***
• Approval Process for Covid-19 Related Funds
• Considerations Before Making Financial Decisions
• How to Hold Meetings in a Pandemic
• Regional Council Requirements for UCC Pandemic Response Bridging Loan – Form
• Cooperative Strategizing – Rental & Lease Information
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Reporting Form: If you are approved for this loan, please complete and send a copy of this form to Lynne Allin.

• Funding Ministry in a COVID-19 World:

  * Please note: when the video ends, another video will begin that is not connected to the presentation.

Pastoral Relations Toolkit

• GS 111 EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS RE: PASTORAL RELATIONS; TEMPORARY AMENDMENT RE: CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING
• GS 81 Extension of Temporary Amendment of Bylaws re: Pastoral Relations; Temporary Amendment re: Congregational Annual Meeting
  • The General Secretary recommends: That the Sub-Executive of the General Council:
    1. extend the temporary amendments to pastoral relations policies that were originally adopted in April, 2020; (allowing governing bodies to make pastoral relations decisions if a congregational meeting is not possible)
    2. temporarily suspend the requirement in section B.5.1 of The Manual for congregations or pastoral charges to hold an annual meeting; and
    3. temporarily amend the responsibility of the congregation or pastoral charge to make a decision on their annual draft budget by allowing the governing body of the congregation or pastoral charge to fulfil this responsibility where necessary, and where permitted by the regional council;

    with each of the foregoing to be in effect until June 30, 2021, subject to earlier cancellation or further extension by decision of the Executive or Sub-Executive of the General Council.

• Covid-19 Updates December 2020
• Information on employees, and contract staff
• PR Temporary Amendment Commentary
• Request to Make Temporary Ministry Personnel Changes due to Pandemic – Form

Safety Considerations for Reopening during the Pandemic

• Safety Considerations for Reopening during the Pandemic: Guidance for those responsible for making decisions in all parts of the church, and things to consider before moving from one phase to another. As of May 7, 2020.
• Phase 1: Reopening the Building during the Pandemic: Small groups may meet in person in small numbers, with social distancing and masks. Worship will continue to be online only, with some exceptions for outdoor worship.
• Phase 2: Reopening In-Person Worship during the Pandemic: Worship and other activities resume in church buildings, with social distancing and other measures.
  • Return to Physical Worship & the Offering: The offering will need to be modified so that possible infection is not transferred. Read this document for recommendations from the Philanthropy Unit.
• Phase 3: Full Return during the Pandemic: For worship and other gatherings, you will still need to consider the health and safety regulations of your province.

Each council makes decisions on reopening for its areas of responsibility. The governing board of each community of faith should consult with its local public health unit, provincial health ministry, and regional council. The guiding principle is the safety of all who enter the building.