The 2023-2024 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is available for congregations to use in their weekly intercessions. Each congregation is prayed for during the week which includes their Feast of Title.
Morning Prayer is offered in the chapel at Diocesan House on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 AM. You are welcome to attend Morning Prayer — mindful that the office is closed on holidays and some days specific to the Diocesan House.
The 2022-2023 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is available for congregations to use in their weekly intercessions. Each congregation is prayed for during the week which includes their Feast of Title.
Morning Prayer is offered in the chapel at Diocesan House daily at 9:30 AM. You are welcome to attend Morning Prayer — mindful that the office is closed on holidays and some days specific to the Diocesan House (e.g., the Monday after Diocesan Convention!).
Paraphrasing from a webinar: Online is not the backdoor to worship anymore. It is the front door for many newcomers, and a sidedoor for the faithful (those homebound, and those away from home). This pandemic forced us into online worship that many of us were not prepared for or enthusiastic about but, having made it over the initial hurdle we now find ourselves equipped with new tools for spreading the Word. Let’s make use of these tools to the best of our abilities.
If you have questions, or answers about online ministry, we have formed a user group. Email our Director of Communications, Kristin Knudson-Groh, to join. kristin@episcopalri.org
We had a great forum led by Jeremy Tackett, Digital Evangelist for the Episcopal Church. You may watch a recording of the evening here. His slide deck is here. He gave us a good deal of hands-on information about equipment and things to consider.
Below are some resources for instruction, for equipment, for software, for platforms. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and not necessarily meant to endorse any particular products or services. And please remember, whatever works best for your community is enough! Be true to yourself and your priorities; you do not have to do everything, or buy all the toys.
Suggestions for what equipment and software you might need for starting to record or livestream your services:
Recommendations from the field:
What other tools can I use for videos or livestreams?
Music Licensing
One License: If you would like use music in any of your streaming services, you must have a streaming license. One License is the most comprehensive source for titles found in the 1982 Hymnal, and they have an arrangement with Church Publishing Incorporated. If you would like assistance with your streaming license, please contact Mary Ann Mello. The Congregational Development Commission is making grants available to help defray the cost of this additional license. Apply here.
Public Domain: There are a number of hymns in the public domain that can be used during your live-stream with no license. Please check the list of public domain hymns here http://www.hymnsuntogod.org/Hymns-PD/ZZ-CompletePDHymnList.html before moving forward with individual songs.
Another information source – https://caffeinated-church.squarespace.com/streaming-content-licenses
Additional considerations:
Internet signal. Do you have the bandwith or signal strength that you need, or will need? We’ve all been figuring out that what’s worked fine in the office may be lousy in the chancel. Rambling buildings and stone walls are not helping the signal from your router. It may be time to investigate wifi extenders, or to contact your provider about an upgrade.
Who is doing this? You should expand the number of people involved in your online ministry. Who can run the camera? Who can be the Zoom usher? Who is editing the recordings, who is producing the feeds?
Welcome. How do you reach out to your digital audience to include them into your community?
We’re all trying to sort this out. Below are some resources that other dioceses have put together. Not all of the information may fit us here, but there are helpful elements.
https://ecww.org/live-streaming-resources-for-churches/ Diocese of Western Washington
https://episcopalcolorado.org/connected-in-common/ Diocese of Colorado
https://www.churchofengland.org/digital-labs/labs-learning-blog/labs-learning-blogs Church of England
https://www.churchofengland.org/How-to-set-up-to-film-a-video-on-your-phone
To apply to this grant for up to $300.00 you must:
*Please read all options for streaming license on website. It is not a one size fits all license, there are many variables for you to consider what is best for your church. Consult with Choir and/Music directors about what music they are using. You may already have a OneLicense License and just need to add the Streaming License. For questions about Onelicense and what they have to offer please visit https://onelicense.net/how-it-works
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Video of Emily Keniston’s Keynote Presentation
Emily Keniston’s Keynote Power Point Presentation
The Congregational Development Commission (CDC) provides funds for programs that strengthen congregations, especially those that are field testing new programs/initiatives on behalf of the diocese, done in partnership with other churches, or are part of a plan to spur significant growth, expand ministry, etc. CDC meets on the first Tuesday of every month.
The CDC announces an ongoing grant program available to all congregations in Rhode Island. Do you envision a program or new ministry to help develop your congregation into a more faithful and vibrant expression of the Body of Christ? Do you have plans for making your congregation more responsive to the local challenges and opportunities before you in your community? How about ideas for transformative collaborations with other congregations that fit with your unique mission or vision for ministry? CDC Mustard Seed or Vineyard grants offer your congregation the financial support to put your vision into action. You can read about past recipient programs here.
Apply now for a Mustard Seed or Vineyard grant.
Mustard Seed grants are for proposals up to $2000. These grants can be approved immediately by the CDC at its monthly meetings.
Vineyard grants are proposals over $2000 and require both CDC and Diocesan Council approval. The application review and approval time for the Vineyard grants is two-three months.
Application Process:
The link above will take you to (a Wufoo) form which will serve as your application. You will be asked to upload an income statement. The application and your statement will be reviewed by the Grants and Loans Committee and if applicable forwarded to CDC and then if over $2,000.00 the grant request will be forwarded to Diocesan Council. You may be asked for additional information before a decision can be made. Grants and Loans Committee meets every Monday. CDC meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Diocesan Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
UPDATED – Journeying by Stages is our guidance for re-opening our church buildings. In this plan you will find our suggestions and recommendations for the gradual return to in-person worship, a checklist for preparation of the buildings and re-thinking elements of the services, and a covenant describing how we should approach these times with care and consideration for one another.
The checklist is also available as a spreadsheet.
As we are unable to attend worship services in person, here are a few suggestions for worshiping at home.
If you are looking for information regarding putting your congregation’s service online, start here. There are additional resources here, and here. Regarding the use of music online: OneLicense. A list of hymns available under public domain is here. Additional information regarding copyright is here.
Most congregations are holding worship services in person and online, please contact the parishes directly to learn more about their specific offerings. Search for a church in your area here.
A Litany, from Earth and Altar
For Doctors and Nurses
Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Trust in God
O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Recovery from Sickness
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant N. the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a Sick Person
O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need: We humbly beseech thee to behold, visit, and relieve thy sick servant N. for whom our prayers are desired. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; preserve him from the temptations of the enemy; and give him patience under his affliction. In thy good time, restore him to health, and enable him to lead the residue of his life in thy fear, and to thy glory; and grant that finally he may dwell with thee in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For When You Cannot Attend Worship
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated. I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. And since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.
For When You Cannot Receive the Eucharist
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
(St. Alphonsus de Liguori, 1696-1787)
A Prayer in Time of Pandemic, Written by the Rev. Dr. Kate Sonderegger
This hour we turn to you, O Lord, in full knowledge of our frailty, our vulnerability, and our great need as your mortal creatures. We cry to you, as one human family, unsure of the path ahead, unequal to the unseen forces around us, frightened by the sickness and death that seem all too real to us now. Stir up your strength and visit us, O Lord; be our shield and rock and hiding place! Guide our leaders, our scientists, our nurses and doctors. Give them wisdom and fill their hearts with courage and determination. Make even this hour, O Lord, a season of blessing for us, that in fear we find you mighty to save, and in illness or death, we find the cross to be none other than the way of life. All this we ask in the name of the One who bore all our infirmities, even Jesus Christ our Risen and Victorious Lord. Amen.
Prayer in Time of Isolation, Written by the Rev. Dr. Kate Sonderegger
Almighty God: Our times are in your hand. We call upon you in this hour of our need, when we are lonely and must stand apart. Be our strength, O Sovereign Lord, our calm in the midst of raging seas, our refuge and our dwelling place. Sanctify to us this time drawn away from others, even as your Son, O Father, drew away to a lonely place for prayer. Deepen our need of you, O Lord, that every breath may be a whisper of the Spirit’s prompting, a renewed searching of the deep things of God. Stir up in us the great act of intercession, that we may spend our time apart in prayer for the world you created and sustain. Bless us in our turning toward you, and make us a blessing to those who stand in need of you, the whole fragile earth. All this we ask in the name of the great Physician, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From Enriching our Worship II
Loving God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who suffer: accept our prayers, and to those who seek healing [especially N. and N., and all whom we name in our hearts], grant the power of your grace, that the weak may be strengthened, sickness turned to health, the dying made whole, and sorrow turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Compassionate God: You so loved the world that you sent us Jesus to bear our infirmities and afflictions. Through acts of healing, he revealed you as the true source of health and salvation. For the sake of your Christ who suffered and died for us, conquered death, and now reigns with you in glory, hear the cry of your people. Have mercy on us, make us whole, and bring us at last into the fullness of your eternal life. Amen.
written by Bishop Thomas Brown of Maine:
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus. Heal those who are sick with the virus; may they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Be present with those in authority who are making hard decisions. Support the medical professionals, emergency responders and our caregivers. In your name Jesus we pray. Amen.
Our Covid-19 Reopening plan, Journeying by Stages. Updated 3-19-21
May 26, 2020 – A joint statement from RI Faith Leaders on Reopening
April 9, Maundy Thursday – A message from Rhode Island’s Faith Leaders
March 16, 2020 – A message from our Bishop.
The Bishop has directed congregations to suspend in-person public worship. March 14, 2020
Messages from the Presiding Bishop: March 10, March 12, March 17
Guidance from the Church of England.
Worship online – our parishes, and resources
Prayers compiled
Help with the new age of online ministry from VTS
Hebert Palomino, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University, is releasing a series of videos in Spanish on caring for people in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you serve in a ministry context with Spanish-speaking persons, Dr. Palomino encourages you to make use of these videos and share them with others. Here are links for the first three videos; he plans to release one or more additional videos each week.
Definiendo la crisis
Que esperar en medio de una crisis
Cómo manejar las Cómo manejar las emociones descompensadoras
New – We have detailed information regarding sewing face masks, and helping the homeless, here.
The stress of this pandemic has many effects. This page lists resources for dealing with mental health, addiction, and domestic violence.
Mail sermons or meditations to people who are not online. Send handwritten notes and cards. Is art part of your home-school program? Ask if you may send those masterpieces to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Use the back pages to write notes to family and friends.
Create a phone tree and call each other to check in.
Deliver meals or food as needed. If you have to go out, call elders you know, call your neighbors, and ask what they need. Help others to stay in.
Establish prayer partners and pray for each other over the phone. Commit to keep praying.
Check in with the local food pantry, ask how you can help.
Ask everyone you interact with how you can pray for them and how you can help them.
Ask yourself – how do I keep doing these things when the emergency is past?
Do you sew? Hospitals are looking for help making masks.
Many of our congregations host AA meetings, and many of us have friends and family dealing with addiction. Make sure they know that there are resources online.
Please continue to support your church by sending in your offering. Make the jump to online giving, or set up an automatic transfer schedule from your bank. There are bills that still need to be paid.
New – Hymns made available by Church Publishing for Fall 2020. Food for thought, an article from The American Organist about streaming.
New – Journeying by Stages, guidance for re-opening.
New – A compilation of suggestions and resources to assist you in your continuing online presence.
The latest guidance from the state regarding re-opening considerations.
Covid-19 Reopening plan template.
Guidance for Funeral Homes from RI Department of Health.
Looking for music to stream? More information about copyright and use of music for streaming is here, and here.
HR issues, addressed by our consultant. Returning, or not, from unemployment.
Ministry in a Time of Pandemic
Caring for Church Buildings. Advice from the CofE. Not all of the information is applicable here, but there are some good suggestions.
End of life pastoral care guidelines, from the Bishop.
If you are looking for information regarding putting your congregation’s service online, start here. There are additional resources here, and here. Regarding the use of music online: OneLicense.
This is a link to a survey that you might adapt for finding out what are the most pressing needs of your parish community.
Having issues with using Zoom? There is a great tutorial here.
This is a summary of a webinar sponsored by Episcopal Relief and Development, addressing the stress of isolation and quarantine. Lists some helpful resources and includes a link to a recording of the webinar.
Regarding congregational financial concerns.
We have put together some advice regarding planning for emergency situations. This page will be updated as situations warrant.
Lifespan has released temporary, guidance regarding hospital visits during this time. https://www.lifespan.org/news/visitation-restricted-lifespan-hospitals
The 2021-2022 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is available for congregations to use in their weekly intercessions. Each congregation is prayed for during the week which includes their Feast of Title.
Morning Prayer is offered in the chapel at Diocesan House daily at 9:30 AM and includes prayer for the clergy and clergy widow/ers of the diocese. Here is the prayer cycle they use: Diocesan Clergy Prayer Cycle. You are welcome to attend Morning Prayer — mindful that the office is closed on holidays and some days specific to the Diocesan House (e.g., the Monday after Diocesan Convention!).
