Swine Flu - Resources for congregations

Swine Flu – Thinking about Congregational Life

In the last few days, we’ve been seeing health alerts from various interfaith groups, county health departments, national news outlets and more about swine flu. All schools are temporarily closed throughout Mexico. Concern seems to be less about severity, but more about uncertainties, like how quickly this virus might spread.


In any case, this is a good time for congregations to think about how to minister in the face of situations that might arise out of any pandemic, like suggested or mandated social distancing.

Some tips to be cognizant of if the impact of swine flu progresses:

Limit exposure
• Consider how communion is administered; think about how to minimize person to person contact.
• Sharing the peace…consider “sharing the Purell” as well.
• Limit pot-lucks, and other non-essential large gatherings.
• Give permission to not shake hands.

Creative ways to worship
• Make use of Eucharistic ministers to do more small group visits and communion.
• Hold worship on-line…include a worship outline, sermon, music…maybe use Power Point.

To think about now
• Make best use of your website.
• Think about ways to hold conference calls for meetings.
• Pull out your congregational calling tree and test your email distribution list.
• Research blogging, and other means of online communicating.

Other resources:
The ELCA has resources to help congregations plan for and respond to a pandemic at their website.

Faith-Based and Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Checklist