Resources for ministry during COVID-19

Last updated April 1, 9:00 am

The Office of the Bishop is actively monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, with particular focus on the health and well-being of people in the Southeastern Iowa Synod congregations and communities. Synod staff are working to ensure the continuity of synod operations and events. New resources and information will be posted frequently on this page as it pertains to the outbreak and the ministry of the synod.

Your feedback will help us develop future guidance and communications to be shared through the synod’s official communications channels, including email, social media, and this website. Email your questions, comments, or resource suggestions to Val Harlynn, Associate for Communications

Visit the eNews archives for the news and information emailed on Mondays

March 30 letter from Bishop Burk

March 23 letter from Bishop Burk

March 16 letter from Bishop Burk (to all members of the Southeastern Iowa Synod)

March 15 video message from Bishop Burk (streamable and downloadable)

March 14 letter from Bishop Burk (to pastors and deacons)

March 13 letter from Bishop Burk (to pastors and deacons)

Video Message from Bishop Eaton (Mar. 28)

Response to COVID-19 from ELCA presiding bishop (Mar. 27)

Lutheran Disaster Response: Our Impact on the Coronavirus

ELCA presiding bishop issues pastoral message in response to COVID-19 pandemic (Mar. 12)

Video Message from Bishop Eaton (Mar. 12)

ELCA presiding bishop statement in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 (Mar. 6)

See more at the ELCA Public Health Concerns Resource Page

Weekly Check-in
Pastors and Deacons are invited to come to a 30-minute weekly drop-in with Bishop Burk, Wednesdays at 11:00 am
Join online via Zoom (link is the same each week and won’t be live until the meeting time)

Call in by phone: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 459 853 193

Drop-ins for Communications and Technology help
Join Val Harlynn, Associate for Communications, for communications and technology Q&A, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm

Join online via Zoom (link the same for Tues. and Thurs. each week and won’t be live until the meeting time)

Call in by phone: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 907 555 262

Holy Week Worship
Join Bishop Burk for Worship on Monday, April 6th at 11:00 am

Join online via Zoom (link will not be live until the event starts)

Call in by phone: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 957 994 723

Synod Assembly
Synod Assembly has been scheduled for August 7th and 8th, 2020 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. If you had previously registered for the Assembly in May more information will be coming soon. Thanks for your patience.

At Home Worship for Palm Sunday (shared by permission)

ELCA Resources

ELCA: Worship Resources for Worship in the Home (posted weekly)

ELCA: Prayers in Times of Public Health Concern

ELCA: Worship in Times of Public Health Concern

At-Home Resources By Melissa Moll
These resources are provided to the synod for use under a Creative Commons license

Other Resources

Lutheran World Federation: Digital Worship and Sacramental Life in a Time of Pandemic

Lutheran World Federation: Intercessory Prayer in the midst of the spread of COVID-19

Dr. Timothy Wengert Article on Communion

Stewardship in Unprecedented Times (Zoom meeting)

Join Pastor Erika Uthe for a Zoom conversation where she will share information and resources about the ins and outs of stewardship in this unprecedented time. You will have the opportunity to respond and ask questions or concerns about what you are experiencing in your local congregation. While there is a lot that we don’t know, one thing for certain is that we are #inthistogether.

Thursday, April 2, 6:30 pm

Join via Zoom (link will not be live until the meeting time)

Call in by phone: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 224 884 160

Other Resources

Taking an offering in online worship (Video)

Stewardship in Unprecedented Times (Saint Paul Area Synod)

10 Ideas for Church Financial Leaders Amid the COVID-19 Crisis (United Methodist Church)