We can continue to grow as disciples even though we cannot meet in person. These resources help parishes host Bible studies, discussion forums and group prayertimes. A number of these are for children, youth and all-age groups. (For help with technology and online platforms visit the page, 'Worship Resources During the Pandemic.')
REVIVE & REVIVE LENT
Revive is a discipleship program for active lay people who are looking to grow and be spiritually nourished. Participants explore prayer, spiritual disciplines, scripture, exciting ministry paths, and are encouraged to engage in deep questions about faith. The course is written by a Canadian Anglican, Rev. Dr. Dawn Davis (originally from St. Luke’s, Dartmouth). REVIVE
Revive Lent is a supplemental seasonal resource for adapting Revive: Equipping Lay Leaders to be Spiritual Leaders for Lent. Six sessions, complete with outlines, video instruction, devotional practices and discussion starters are provided for small groups that want to grow in intimacy with God as followers of Jesus. Revive Lent
DREAMS & VISIONS - LENTEN STUDY
Written by The Rev'd. Deborah Lonergan-Freake for the Diocese of Moosonee in 2011, it can be easily adapted for your local context. A timely series that involves naming our losses, letting go, circles of love and life, dreaming a new dream and visioning a new future. You will have to change the specific place names to those related to your particular context. Rev. Deborah is now priest in the Parish of Bridgetown, NS. Dream & Visions pdf
DISCIPLING WHEN YOUR GROUP CAN’T MEET DUE TO COVID-19
Keeping small groups connected while social distancing, an article by Bill Search on Smallgroups.com. Discipling When Your Group Can't Meet - Smallgroups.com
COVID-19 CAN’T STOP US FROM PRAYING
An article titled, ‘9 Apps to help us to pray’ by Rev. Jessica Schaap, Diocese of New Westminster, BC. Can't Stop Us From Praying - Vancouver
LOVE LETTERS – SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONS
Timely devotions during the COVID-19 pandemic for one of the upcoming Sunday readings for the Revised Common Lectionary. Each mediation includes: a group process; short overview; and discussion questions. By Canon Dawn Davis, Diocese of Niagara. https://canondawndavis.wordpress.com/
ILLUSTRATED MINISTRY
Flatten the curve - Free, weekly, faith formation resources for all ages. Downloadable, and easy to access. A simple but meaningful way to engage faith - quality materials from a trusted company, used by thousands of churches from over 60+ denominations around the world. https://www.illustratedministry.com/flattenthecurve
MESSY CHURCH AT HOME
A growing collective of creative ideas for all-age prayer time for families at home. Messy Church UK - Covid-19 Resources
THE ALPHA COURSE WEBINARS
Alpha Canada is hosting a number of live and recorded webinars to help equip church leaders to take this Christian exploration series online. Includes technical and small group practical tips that can apply to any virtual learning gathering. Alpha Canada Webinars
AUTHENTICALLY ENGAGING YOUTH THROUGH DIGITAL MEDIA
YOUTH, Stay Home, Stay Connected (Download .pdf file). This generation is resilient, determined, and they crave authenticity. As faith leaders, we can offer something unique in this time of grief and crisis. You don’t have to be a technical genius, just use your gifts to be present and authentic, focus on connection and community. (Presbyterian Youth Workers Association, US) YOUTH - Stay Connected
ANGLICAN ALLIANCE BIBLE STUDIES: FAITH IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS
Even if the building is closed, the Church is still there, present in the people, the living body of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time when God calls us into an ever deeper participation in God’s mission. The Bible studies seek to create space for us to bring our hopes and fears before God and build resilience and trust. Anglican Alliance Bible Studies
This sacred season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter there are so many beautiful hymns and worship songs. Considering having your Music Director, choir leader or passionate congregational singer in offering online education about Christian music. They could provide teaching about congregational singing, church music history, basic music theory, etc. These could be shared using a simple, free video or audio platform (See 'Worship Resources During this Pandemic' page) or written resources through e-mail, Facebook, the parish website or by snail-mail.
MOTHERS UNION - Resources to Support us in Challenging Times
A selection of resources to help our members and friends as they face self-isolation at home. It's important for us all to remain as active as we can, both physically and mentally. https://www.mothersunion.org/resources-support-us-challenging-times