Routine and ritual help create stability and meaning in our lives. The routines of work, school and simply running errands, have been disrupted due to COVID-19. The rituals we practice in worship, grieving, marriage, baptism, and more, have been put on pause.
These disruptions can impact our emotional and spiritual health. To meet these disruptions, church leaders have offered creative worship, prayer, and fellowship opportunities; many of us have developed new routines at home and for everyday life.
So often, the disruptions and losses faced in disasters, like this pandemic, are exceptionally difficult to bear. Lutheran Congregational Services is partnering with a number of organizations to meet needs during COVID-19. Below are a number of resources that offer spiritual and emotional care.
Available Resources for Spiritual and Emotional Care
1. Keystone Disaster Spiritual Care Network
Keystone Disaster Interfaith Network has established a Spiritual Care Call Line to provide appropriate and respectful disaster spiritual care to people of all ages, races, and religions, especially in the midst of COVID-19. Call 888-255-6520.
2. American Red Cross
American Red Cross’s Virtual Family Assistance Center offers an Integrated Condolence Care Program. Click here to access this resource and learn more.
3. ELCA Public Health Resources
Of course, a number of resources are available through the ELCA. Click here to access these public health resources.
4. Lutheran Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is creating a spiritual and emotional care training, with a focus on COVID-19, which will be available in the coming months.
Please also feel free to reach out to Lutheran Congregational Services to talk to Sylvia Havlish, our bereavement counselor, about upcoming programs and services.
Email Julia Menzo, director of community outreach for Lutheran Congregational Services/Liberty Lutheran at jmenzo@libertylutheran.org for more information.
