COVID-19 RESOURCES

As our world continues to change and become less predictable, the church’s song can be a source of healing and hope. But the ways in which we gather for worship and gather in song require new vision, new mechanisms, and creative thinking. Below is a list of resources (being continually updated) curated by The Hymn Society staff.

 

ECUMENICAL CONSULTATION ON PROTOCOLS FOR WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, AND SACRAMENTS

In early June 2020, an ecumenical consultation led by United Methodist, Lutheran, and Episcopal liturgical scholars, medical experts, and in consultation with the CDC released a 36-page document entitled “Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During A Pandemic.” Este documento está también disponible en español.

Click here to view the full document

Haga clic aquí para descargar el documento

 

The same group gathered again to release guidance for the 2021 Holy Week and Easter seasons.

Click here to view the full document

 

A new document, released June 2021, shares guidance as the pandemic begins to enter its lingering stage.

Click here to view the full document

 

CCS UPDATES ON COVID-19

Countdown to Safe Congregational Singing:

CCS Countdown

 

NFHS Study Update (April 2021)

Link to Post

 

A blog summary on 8-18-2020 of two recent COVID-19 & Music studies:

CCS Blog Post

 

 

FACT-BASED UPDATES ON COVID-19

CDC Updates

Johns Hopkins Updates

Providing factual updates to your members and friends can help save lives. Please make sure you do your part to fact-check any articles or sources you share about the pandemic. These two sites are some of the most trustworthy and fact-based places available.

 

Exhaled respiratory particles during singing and talking

A study to investigate aerosol and droplet emissions during singing, as compared to talking and breathing, that was published in September.

 

Unprecedented International Coalition led by Performing Arts Organizations to Commission COVID-19 Study

A collection of articles and data regarding performing and COVID-19.

 

CHOOSING HYMNS & SONGS

Hymns for a Pandemic: A Brief Historical Introduction

Michael Hawn, FHS shares some background about specific hymns that were written during similar times in centuries past.

 

New Ideas for Music-Making During COVID-19

On Tuesday, June 16, members and friends of The Hymn Society gathered to discuss various possibilities regarding how we can worship differently during this time. Both the recording of that session and the document we compiled with ideas that were shared are available here.

 

Covid Carols

A collection of new texts (specific to the Covid-19 Pandemic) set to familiar Christmas Carol tunes. It’s for fun! It’s to bring joy and frivolity in this time of loneliness and hopelessness. Free to download and use.

 

Grief in the Time of Covid-19

A list of hymns and other resources gathered during our Zoom session on Tuesday, April 28 hosted by Ginny Chilton & Lindsay Smith.

 

Movement songs with Ana Hernández

Our Tuesday gathering on June 9, in which Ana Hernández led out in singing various movement songs, was recorded and can be found here on our YouTube channel.

 

 

 

Resources from Other Organizations

Hymnary.org’s Resource Page

Hymnary.org has some lists for selecting hymns, a new tool for helping churches and people worship at home during the pandemic, and more.

 

The Fellowship’s Resource Page

The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts has provided a list of resources from their members and leaders. The list continues to be updated as new ideas and resources are provided.

 

PCUSA’s Covid Resource Page

The Presbyterian Church (USA)’s page provides many resources, including a list of live-streaming resources and tutorials, guidelines on the sacraments, and more.

 

Calvin Institute’s Covid Resource Page

The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s resource page responding to COVID-19.

 

Duke’s Faith & Leadership Resources

Resources, Articles, and other helpful information from Duke Divinity’s “Faith and Leadership” website.

 

United Church of Canada’s Covid Resource Page

The United Church of Canada’s resource list with specific sections for youth and children’s ministries as well as online, streaming, and technology information.

 

Worship Matters Episode 10

John Thornburg, FHS is the guest for an episode of the podcast “Worship Matters.” He discusses his thoughts on what should be kept in mind as we face our return to gathering in person once more.

 

Worship Matters Episode 39

Continuing our miniseries discussing the opportunities and challenges of returning to in-person worship, Director of Music Ministries, Dr. Diana Sanchez-Bushong gathers a panel of worship music leaders from around the denomination to discuss issues related to singing during the pandemic. Even as the vaccine continues to help us bring an end to this difficult time, there are concerns with how best to reintroduce vocal music into the worship of the local church. Listen in as these leaders share from their knowledge and experience.

The panel includes Steve Lindsey, Director of Music Ministries/Church Administrator Nashville; Raymond Trapp, Director of Music, Vanderveer UMC Brooklyn, GC 2022 Music Director; Ann Ables, Director of Music and Fine Arts, Memorial Drive UMC Houston; Brian Hehn, Director of Center for Congregational Song, Hymn Society of North America and Canada; and Steve Harter, Minister of Music and Arts, First UMC Colorado Springs.

 

NATS Webinar regarding reopening and unmasking

An April 16, 2021 webinar addressing the current situation.