As the COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic makes its way around the world, churches can play a key role in preventing the spread of the illness. This page and the pages linked below will be regularly updated with new information and resources as the COVID-19 outbreak and response continues to unfold in Minnesota.
Latest update: Some new, less restrictive guidelines for Minnesota began taking effect at noon March 15. You can see all of them here. Some highlights are:
Bishop Bard is asking all congregations to adhere to the Phased Re-Gathering Plan for Churches, which is currently in the Orange phase. In response to the new guidelines, the conference will not immediately change the dial but plan to do so right after Easter, barring a new surge in cases.
View state preparedness plan requirements for faith communities
This plan intentionally aligns with the phased plan released by the Office of Gov. Tim Walz. The detailed recommendations are driven by our Three Simple Rules.
A variety of pre-recorded sermons and other liturgical video resources are available to download, share, stream, or otherwise use in your online worship services.
As the economy and various businesses and organizations begin to re-open, here are some resources to consult and considerations to bear in mind as you think about returning to in-person worship.
We've gathered many helpful resources on live streaming, virtual meetings, church finances, and church best practices during this unprecedented time.
Congregations are adapting and finding new ways of doing and being church without in-person worship services and gatherings.
We are answering your questions and posting the responses here.
Find a few ways in which the Minnesota Conference is responding to COVID-19, including canceling conference events and organizing a COVID-19 response team.
Finding trustworthy information can be difficult. Here are accurate sources for info at the national, state, and Minnesota Conference levels. Also, find info on the postponement of the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides low-interest loans for companies and nonprofits (including churches); a portion of which can be forgiven if the organization meets certain criteria, such as retaining workers
We are sending out frequent email updates amid the coronavirus outbreak. Click to see all past emails.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058