Last updated September 2021

The Office of the Bishop is actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on the health and well-being of people in the Southeastern Iowa Synod congregations and communities. New resources and information will be posted on this page as it pertains to the pandemic and the ministry of the synod. Email your questions, comments, or resource suggestions about this page to Val Harlynn, Associate for Communications

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

Looking for in-person worship? The Office of the Bishop is not maintaining a list of this type. Please talk with a local pastor or leadership to learn what congregations may be doing. 

As COVID cases fluctuate and vaccination rates increase, some congregations may choose to follow local public health guidelines and worship indoors with public health precautions in place. However, these congregations may also pause in-person gatherings again as numbers change. Check local congregation websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information. 

NEW! Wisconsin Council of Churches Guide (July 2021)

Metro Chicago Synod Guide (July 2021)

Worship Resource for Re-Gathering (ELCA Worship)

 Care Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic (June 2021)

Free re-gathering, renewal resource for your congregationThriving Beyond Covid, a scripture-based small and large group study. The days ahead will be challenging but they can be managed with faith and a plan. Check out this two-minute video (https://youtu.be/w1VQ5dM0ee0) and the website to see if this resource is something your congregation might want to use. A leader guide, small and large group participant guides, and videos, are available for free download at www.ThrivingBeyondCovid.org.

ELCA: Livestreaming starter guide

Blog post about technology and livestreaming

Blog post about copyright and music resources

Return to In-person/Building Plans
PLEASE NOTE: These are examples of return plans. These are tentative plans and subject to change but are provided by these communities to serve as resources for other worshipping communities.
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Other Resources

ELCA: Best Practices for Counting Money and Bookkeeping

ELCA preferred vendors for online giving, Vanco and Tithe.ly

Dr. Michael Osterholm with Iowa Synods – Recording

Information about vaccine safety

Iowa COVID-19 Vaccination rates and tracking

CDC information about the Delta variant

July 27, 2021: CDC update for fully vaccinated individuals

May 2021 CDC Guidelines for Choosing Safer Activities including worship and singing