
NC Synod Shared Worship is happening each Sunday three ways:
A synod congregation will share their livestream worship on the synod's Facebook page. Worship is shared this week—Lent 1, Sunday, February 21—by Mt. Olive, Hickory, at 9:30 a.m. Watch it live or watch the recording at your convenience.
A recorded sermon will be provided by a bishop's staff person each week for rostered ministers taking time off. Download the sermon each week (available on Wednesdays by noon).
The bishop's staff recorded sermon from each week will be available by phone. Call toll-free: 833-924-1988 and press 1 to listen.
Re-Gathering Guidelines
The synod's Re-Gathering Task Force under the direction of the NC Synod Council has been faithfully considering guidelines for congregational life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking into account Governor Cooper's Executive Orders, these guidelines are based on Executive Order #189 for Modified Stay-at-Home Order, effective through February 28, 2021.

NC Synod congregations and pastors may use these forms to apply for grants from the COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Gathered Resources for Congregational Life during a Pandemic
- Reflections on Ash Wednesday Worship in 2021 ELCA Blog
- Observing Ash Wednesday in 2021 by Bishop Matthew Riegel, WVA/WMD Synod
- A Liturgy For When We Cannot Meet ©2020 by The Order of Saint Luke
- When We Face an Unknown Future COVID-19 hymn by Carolyn Gillette
- Being Lutheran: Real Presence in Digital Church LWF article and video series
Guidelines for Virtual Communion:
-
ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton’s reflection on virtual communion
-
NC Synod Bishop Smith’s reflection on virtual communion
-
Lutheran World Federation: Digital Worship and Sacramental Life in a Time of Pandemic
Livestreaming Worship:
- Livestreaming a Worship Service an ELCA guide
- Quick & Dirty Intro to Live Streaming Worship (register to see PRC webinar recording)
- Standing in the Pulpit: 10 Tips for Online Worship Leaders ResourceUMC
- Video Tips & Tools Red River Worship
- Tech Soup/NC Synod Partnership Access the best technology options at the most affordable cost.
Zoom:
- Zoom for Congregational Use SE Synod Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Michael Jannett
Music Copyright:
- Music and Copyright for Online Worship SE Iowa Synod
- One License Licensing Options
- CCLI Licensing Options
- Hymnary.org comprehensive index of hymns including those in Public Domain
- ELCA Considerations for Remote Council and Congregation Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic (revised, 12/15/20)
- FAQ Congregational Meetings NC Synod, Fall 2020
- Preferred ELCA vendors for online giving
- Comparison of some popular online giving platforms for churches
- Facebook's Charitable Giving payment platform process donations pay no fee; 100% of donations go to the charity
- Key Advice for Fundraising During a Crisis video by GSB
- CURRENT RE-GATHERING GUIDELINES
- Latest Masking Recommendations January 30, 2021 News & Observer
- Sample Protocols from Congregations
- ELCA Faith Formation: Covid Resources - ministrylinks.online
- Presiding Bishop Eaton Guides Us in Faithful & Clean Practices – Facebook video: Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA
- Coronavirus, Anxiety, Children and the Church - BuildFaith.org
- Coronavirus Conversations - Milestones Ministry
- Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource - National Association of School Psychologists
- Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety related to Coronavirus - Children’s Hospital in Seattle
- Moving Faith Formation Online - Vibrant Faith
- Faith Formation Online: A beginner's guide – Google Doc
- Zoom: Using Breakout Rooms - Southeastern Synod, ELCA
- A COVID-19 Spiritual Survival Kit for Individuals – ChurchNext
- A COVID-19 Spiritual Survival Kit for Groups – ChurchNext