This is a way of persisting in prayer and study of the Word. Pastor Adebisi Oyesile of Redeemed Christian Church of God Chapel of Hope in Brooklyn is navigating new decisions regarding in-person and virtual worship. He is seeking to encourage as many people as possible to come back safely to services and fellowship in person, while also maintaining opportunities for people to participate in the church's YouTube service livestream or online fellowship groups. With his wife, Abosede Oyesile, he has also maintained a daily, Monday through Saturday prayer call called "Morning Shower" through the entire pandemic, providing daily encouragement to the congregation in prayer from 6 AM - 6:15 AM. Their Bible study, "Digging Deep," has also had even more people attend since COVID began, as the online format makes it more accessible.
 

This is a way of adapting leadership planning styles. The leadership team at New Season Christian Center has been adapting their approach to planning during the pandemic, planning upcoming events and initiatives in shorter periods rather than planning for an entire ministry year at once. At their recent leadership weekend in January, they gathered for prayer, worship, and to lay out plans for the next two months of ministry, seeking to use staff time wisely and create less burden for staff over changing plans as the pandemic continues to evolve.

This is a way of using artistic gifts to support one another. Huibing He, a retired Methodist pastor who now resides in Brooklyn, recently held a Zoom art workshop with the women's group at First United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson on Long Island. This group has become a source of great spiritual and emotional support to the women, as many members of the church community struggle with illness and other challenges. Pastor Huibing is a gifted artist who has led online art-workshops with the Walls-Ortiz Gallery at City Seminary, among other organizations. The women's group was so encouraged by this initial workshop, that they have since done another art-making workshop on their own, continuing to use artistic mediums as a means of connection and support. 
 

This is a way of appreciating the gift of fellowship. The International Gospel Church of Connecticut celebrated being able to plan safe returns to some of their usual fellowship activities in 2021: Sunday services began to meet in person again in May 2021; they were able to have their summer picnic in August; and they held their annual Christmas outreach in December, making use of the stage in their new space for a Christmas play presentation. The pandemic has meant people were physically separated for quite some time, but this has made the church recognize that we are meant for fellowship. They have appreciated the great gift of coming together when it has been possible and safe. 

This is a way of expanding the reach of a food pantry. True Holy Church, located in East New York, has run a busy food pantry for a number of years, serving an average of 2,700 people per month. After the first week of the pandemic, they have remained open continuously, seeking to meet the needs of their community. The pantry now serves 5,000 people per month, will soon move into a larger and more sustainable building, and is partnering regularly with three churches in Brooklyn and one in Queens to help them develop their own food pantries.

This is a way to support pastors across India. Many churches and organizations, such as International Gospel Church, are finding that Zoom has opened permanent new possibilities globally. IGC was founded in 1998 by first generation diaspora Indian pentecostals living in the U.S., and now has churches in 12 Indian states with over 100 pastors. During the pandemic, different states have started individual online gatherings, including Zoom prayer meetings every Monday through Friday (state of Kerala) and Saturday (states of Karnataka, Andhra, and Telegana). Pastors from across the country who would not normally be able to see each other—even prior to the pandemic—encourage one another in a time of prayer, worship, Scripture, and brief messages. There are also special meetings to support pastors’ spouses.

This is a way of engaging faith through art. Choreographer Lindsey Hanson created a site-specific dance work in the W83 Ministry Center sanctuary, home of her church, Redeemer West Side. The work, premiering July 9-10 in two free performances, explores themes of connection and perspective. After a year of pandemic social distancing, her work, titled Sanctuary, invites us to consider how we engage with spaces of worship, with one another, and how we define church beyond the walls of a building. Learn more here.

This is a way of praying over injustice together. On Tuesday May 25, The Gathering Harlem held “Rally to Remember,” an event remembering the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and dedicated to all those who have been victims of racial injustice. The church gathered at the outdoor amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem to pray, remember, and reflect together.

This is a way of providing information about the COVID-19 vaccine to pastors and churches. Christians and the Vaccine—led by Redeeming Babel and its founder, Curtis Chang—is an online resource that seeks to equip pastors and Christian leaders to help others apply biblical principles to their thinking on the COVID-19 vaccine and, based on these principles, encourage Christians to take the vaccine. They have developed short videos answering common spiritual questions and dialoguing with health experts and Christian leaders. Their Pastor’s Toolkit provides video and PDF resources for pastors to share with their congregations in a variety of ways.

This is a way of doing art and justice in partnership with the church. Oversea Chinese Mission is partnering with Harlem-based fiber artist Naomi Lawrence, community organizer Tina Lin, Think!Chinatown, and Creative Sanctum to create a mural-sized yarn installation in Chinatown’s Columbus Park. Community members are invited to crochet leaves and flowers in virtual and in-person yarn circles while having discussions about civic engagement. The installation will be displayed during Chinatown Arts Week in October and will raise awareness on issues impacting the AAPI community. Learn more about how you can contribute to the yarn mural here.

This is a way of worshipping together globally. Grace and Truth Ministry’s English Worship and Fellowship in Idukki, India began a few years ago as an in-person worship service. In January 2021, they began a permanent online service on Zoom open to anyone, consisting of prayer, songs of worship, Scripture, a short message from rotating pastors, and a time for children to share Bible verses they have memorized. Pastors from many different parts of India and Christians from around the world participate, providing both critical encouragement as COVID lockdowns continue in India and ongoing global connection even beyond the pandemic.

This is a way of responding to the COVID crisis in India. Juliya Joseph and Jerin Joe James recently started a prayer ministry called World Prayer Fellowship in May 2021. They gather people to meet on Zoom from 9:30 PM to 10 PM daily to pray for India during the COVID crisis, focusing the prayer time on one of the country's 29 states per day. Those who attend are specifically invited to pray in any language they would like, and most pray in English, Malayalam, or Tamil.

This is a way of providing information about COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Francis Collins, who has been Director of the National Institutes of Health since 2009 and who is a Christian, has spoken recently on a number of webinars answering common questions Christians have about vaccines, encouraging people to get vaccinated, and promoting best practices for churches that are reopening. Watch Dr. Collins speaking here.

This is a way to regather in person. The Redeemed Christian Church of God International Center Brooklyn continues to stream worship services but also meets in person. People are beginning to come back, joyfully seeing one another in person. They worship together through singing, testimonies, and hearing the Word. All protocols are followed.

This is a way to worship together in multiple languages as one body. St. Aloysius Church in Harlem has been exploring more trilingual services—melding French, Spanish, and English together—for special occasions as they reopen following pandemic protocols. On May 2, one of the New York auxiliary bishops, Msgr. Edmund Whalen, presided at a Mass celebrating Confirmation and blessing the church which had been recently painted and renovated. The bishop is fluent in all three languages and during the liturgy moved among them smoothly. The Mass incorporated music in French, Spanish, and English, as well as some music in Swahili. In a year of distance from one another, the Mass was a beautiful celebration of harmony among different cultures in the body of Christ coming back together.

This is a way of partnering together to safely reopen Sunday church services. New Season Christian Center met in a public school building pre-pandemic. When they began to make plans to reopen, they needed to find another space to hold services as public schools were not issuing permits for community programs. They partnered with CONLICO, an organization that supports the Hispanic church community in the tri-state area, to hold hybrid services in their building in the South Bronx. Conlico’s space is large and allows ample room for congregants to spread out and worship safely together.

This is a way of praying persistently every day, morning and evening. Redeemed Christian Church Church of God Chapel of Hope in Brooklyn began a daily prayer call at the beginning of the pandemic last year. The church’s ministers and members of the congregation—anywhere from 80 to 100 of them—meet on a conference call daily from 6 AM – 6:15 AM to pray together. The prayer call is open to all, and members of the church are encouraged to invite their friends and pray intentionally for their community. The ministers of the church also hold a call every night at 10 PM to pray specifically with people in the church who are sick.

This is a way of supporting the global church family through prayer and ministry. Geomon and Reji George (City Seminary Dean and Registrar / Bursar, respectively) are finding a variety of ways to support the church in India during the devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic currently afflicting the country. Their church, International Gospel Church of Connecticut, is conducting a chain prayer for India until the second wave has passed. Their Tuesday night prayer as a church focuses on lifting up the COVID-19 crisis in India and the world. Geomon and Reji are working with over 100 pastors in India, joining them in Zoom prayer meetings and encouraging the pastors to be community health advocates. The George family and their church are seeking to be responsive to community needs, providing different resources like masks, finances, medical supplies, and more.

This is a way of continuing in prayerful ministry across generations. Oversea Chinese Mission, known as OCM, continues its historic mission of preaching the Gospel and forming people in Christian faith in New York. After recently renovating their building on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan with strict protocols, they are open for worship in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, while they continue to also stream services online. Adapting as needed, OCM continues in their mission.

This is a way of creating art together. Since Spring 2020, the Walls-Ortiz Gallery and Center has hosted regular art-making gatherings over Zoom. Artist Naomi Lawrence led yarn circles, teaching members to create crocheted designs at home that now adorn the gate of the Fresh Oils Community Garden in Harlem; Gallery fellow Huibing He has led workshops on sketching and making collages out of recycled materials; and Harlem-based artist Omi Gray recently led two workshops on creating homemade beads from materials found at home. The art-making attracts people of all ages, from children to older adults, creating a restful, meaningful experience of making art in community online. Learn more and consider joining a future workshop here.

This is a way of seeking the peace of the city through praise and prayer in a local Harlem park. On April 22, Garden of Gethsemane Ministries, led by Apostle Dr. Staci Ramos, hosted “Seek the Peace of the City: Prayer and Praise in the Park!” in Colonel Charles Young Park in Harlem. The event sought to unite the local church, the wider community, and the police.  Wearing masks and social distancing was required.

This is a way to persevere in prayer together. Love Gospel Assembly recently held a 24-hour prayer vigil on Facebook, creating an intentional space for persisting in prayer at the beginning of Holy Week. The church invited various ministry leaders—including some City Seminary alumni—to lead the vigil in turns. They prayed for specific needs and read Scripture together continuously, from 6pm March 29 to 6pm March 30. 

This is a way of reimagining a church building. Colombian architecture studio Colab-19 partnered with the Bogotá archdiocese to donate a new open-air church structure, Alhambra’s Cross, so people could worship together on Easter Sunday. The archdiocese connected Colab-19 to a local church in need, Parroquia Santa Maria de la Alhambra, who saw this as an exciting step towards reopening. The church structure is designed in the shape of a Greek cross and can be easily dismantled and reused, eliminating any waste. Outdoor chairs accommodating 60 people were arranged throughout the structure, between white mosquito netting that helped protect worshippers from weather and aided social distancing.

These are persistent ways of providing pastoral care. While True Holy Church’s services, Sunday School, Bible studies, and prayer meetings remain online for the time being, Pastor Vivian Grubb is finding creative ways to be with members of the True Holy community in person. He has visited families to hold at-home and backyard baby dedications; phoned members of the church for weekly check-ins and occasional meet-ups at the church building; and recently held the church’s first COVID-era baptism, partnering with another church to use their baptismal pool.

This is a way of ministering to the church body through music. The pandemic hasn’t stopped the choir at St. Mary Mother of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, from ministering through music. When the church reopened for services in October 2020, the choir also began holding in-person, socially distanced rehearsals. When COVID cases mounted again in NYC, the choir moved rehearsals to Zoom. The music director and organist plays from home on her electronic keyboard, and the ten choir members sing and practice together while muted, to avoid the confusion of audio delay. On Sundays, with masks and from socially distanced seats, they lead the church in entrance, offertory, meditative, and recessional hymns, as well as in responsive singing.

This is a way of answering questions about faith from the Indian American community. In July 2020, a group of next-generation Indian American Pentecostals—led by City Seminary Dean Geomon George, alumnus Rojan Sam, and Bursar/Registrar Reji George—launched Thirst for Truth Ministries’ monthly video series out of a desire to walk with the next generation of leaders among first generation Indian Americans. This series seeks to answer common questions they hear about the Christian faith from their communities, through both interview and artistic formats. The videos are then shared widely across YouTube, Facebook, and different Indian cable TV channels. Recently, they created a special online Easter production to share the message of Christ’s resurrection through songs and short reflections in Malayalam.

This is a way of starting new church communities and partnering in ministry. Fresh Oils Ministries, founded and directed by Pastor Adrienne Croskey, is built on partnering with others, sharing gifts, and furthering the kingdom together. Prior to the pandemic, Pastor Adrienne began partnering with Minister Michelle Sweeting in Fresh Oils services twice per month. During the pandemic, and out of this partnership, Minister Michelle launched The People’s Church, and on Good Friday, held a joint service with Pastor Adrienne. They each spoke on three of Jesus’s words from the cross, and Minister Michelle’s husband spoke on the last word, uniting both newly born and established church communities during Holy Week.

This is a way to equip leaders to better serve their communities. The Global Center for Transformational Leadership, directed by Dr. Ade Oyesile, seeks to spark innovative ideas among leaders, enabling leaders of faith and the marketplace to develop a deeper understanding of the people they lead. On Saturday March 27, GCFTL hosted an event on immigration and healthcare as a part of their online roundtable discussion series for leaders: Dr. Nelson Aluya spoke about “Demystifying COVID-19 and the Vaccine” and Attorney Toyin Omolola spoke as well.

This is a way to pray for the city and neighborhood. During the pandemic, City Seminary of New York has continued to “pray and break bread” in neighborhoods around the city. On Thursday, April 8, 2021, using Zoom and live streaming, Edward Leung, a member of the Staten Island Chinese Christian Church, helped lead the pbb. He spoke about the different churches, parks, and aspects of community life on Staten Island, and then participants joined Zoom breakout rooms to pray.

This is a way to support a church community through prayer. The pastoral team at Iglesia Pentecostal Camino a Damasco on East 4th Street has been leading weekly prayer meetings in their sanctuary. Members are welcome to join in person, observing COVID protocols, but the prayer meeting leaders also make phone calls to church members from the pulpit. They call members during the meeting as the Lord brings their needs to mind and ask if they can pray for them on the spot. They then follow up later on any needs that they learned of.

This is a way for young people to learn about vaccines. The Young People's Guild of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is a gathering of young adults ages 18-30. At their last Zoom meeting, one of the members of the group, who is a medical professional, hosted a question and answer session on COVID and the vaccines. The young people had the opportunity to ask questions they have in a familiar environment and receive answers from a medical professional they know and trust.

This is a way to participate in the sacraments safely during the pandemic. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church held an outdoor Easter morning service in St. Nicholas Park at 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. Some members gathered—socially distanced around pre-spaced guiding markers—for worship, a short sermon, and then took communion together. As a part of the service, they also conducted a baptism. Later that morning, the person who was baptized shared a testimony live on their Zoom service for the whole church body, who then had the chance to watch the video of the morning baptism together.

This is a way of supporting dialogue about justice between faith leaders. The Commission of Religious Leaders hosted an online conversation about supporting the AAPI communities in NYC with a panel of faith leaders, including Rev. Austin Woo of Oversea Chinese Mission. Rev. Woo spoke powerfully about the long history of anti-Asian discrimination in the U.S., going back 150 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act. He gave testimony to the work of the Oversea Chinese Mission church and its 60 years of ministry in the city.

This is a way of standing with our Asian American friends and family in response to escalating acts of violence. The Asian American Christian Collaborative has released a statement condemning the massacre in Atlanta and calling on Christian leaders to respond. Over the last year, the AACC has also created the Reclaim magazine and podcast, which focus on Asian American Christian thought and culture. Learn more about the AACC's Atlanta Statement here.

This is a way of safely gathering for in-person fellowship with the body of believers. King's Cross Church in Queens recently reopened their in-person home worship pods after suspending them during the winter months. Their pods are structured as small, consistent, non-rotating groups that meet for in-person Sunday worship in a house or apartment setting, following COVID safety guidelines provided by the church. Learn more about King's Cross Church here.

This is a way of providing accessible vaccines to seniors. Vision Urbana is a grassroots organization of the Primitive Christian Church on the Lower East Side that has become increasingly focused on holistically serving the seniors in their neighborhood. They were approved to open a COVID-19 vaccination pod on the Lower East Side, providing vulnerable residents–including isolated seniors, immigrants and those who are not English proficient, and those who have little or no internet access–with vaccine access through a trusted community organization.

This is the way of sharing with one another. Rev. Dr. Mia Chang and Minister Steve Ku, of NextGen Church in New Jersey, have been visiting Trenton to share hot meals for families. This is "Dinner Church", one of their mission projects, which they increased from once a month before COVID to twice a month during COVID. The church community has been invited to join in two ways: they can give remotely or can buy extra groceries when they are buying for themselves and place items in the church donation box. According to Minister Ku, "The box has never been empty" and he explained that "people are ready to give" but looking for tangible ways of doing so. Learn more about NextGen Church here.

This is a way to pray for one another across continents. When the leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana wanted to check in with their North American and Australian pastors and churches, they held a meeting live on YouTube. As more than 500 people gathered, there was prayer, reflection, and updates from Ghana. Many of the challenges are the same across continents, some are different. But they are together in the work of the Gospel, and Ghana made a pastoral visit to their global flock, including churches in New York City.

This is a way young adults are working through the challenges of this time. Monday nights at True Holy Church in East New York Brooklyn have become Refuge Mondays, a zoom gathering of young adults. During these weekly gatherings, the young adults discuss the challenges of the pandemic and racial injustices, and the pastor is able to join them, to listen and support. It's a space for growth, for challenge, for next steps.

This is a way of serving the homeless and addicted persons from a social distance. At Recovery House of Worship in a particularly vulnerable section of Brooklyn, NY, the local homeless community is served through to-go bags and tracts and a basement shelter. In partnership, 200 bags of groceries for new immigrant families are delivered weekly to another local church. Pastor Edwin Colon is hopeful that despite the challenges, the pandemic will help people recognize their dependence on God. Read more here.

This is a way of caring for the elderly in the community. Living Faith Community Church is serving its local community in Flushing, Queens, through its community development corp (CDC), delivering food to those in need, particularly the elderly, and advocating for local nursing home residents (whom they have been volunteering with for almost 20 years) in a letter writing campaign to elected officials. Learn more about LFCC here.

This is a way of being opened up to new ways of ministry. Rev. Jonathan Roque is the pastor of Damascus Christian Church in Hunts Point, the South Bronx. He realizes in this time an opportunity to think afresh about ministry, to move "out of my silo." Responding to his community, he's partnering with local networks, including a food pantry, to take groceries to people in need. He's thinking about leadership and the future of church life. 

This is a way of thinking about the times. Mother Marie Cooper, a leader in the Church of the Lord (Aladura) in North America, believes this is a time for prayer. So she prays for everyone she knows and the world. Always on her mind, she prays for the school she started and supports in Monrovia, Liberia, and the needs of its young people. 

This is a way of connecting excess food with those who need it. Conservative Chinese Baptist Church (CCBC) in lower Manhattan, NY, is partnering with Rethink Food, an organization with a creative mission to build a more equitable food system in New York City. Rethink Food is connecting local restaurants with community organizations to provide healthy, ready-to-eat meals for those who need them. Volunteers are needed to distribute meals on weekdays at the church. Learn more about Rethink Food or sign up here if you can volunteer.

This is a way of being a church in London. When formal gatherings at their care home chapel in Croydon, London, were shut down, Reverend Peter and Dee Price took the chapel to the people. As temporary chaplain, Peter began a weekly newsletter with prayers, stories, readings and contact information. They provided information on how to financially support local groups who serve the community. On Palm Sunday, Peter and Dee distributed crosses made of palm leaves. By being present and creative, they are showing a new way of being a church.

This is a way of adjusting to the "new normal" in Paju City. The South Korean government recently allowed religious communities to re-gather with new guidelines, such as sanitizing the sanctuary, checking body temperatures before entering, keeping social distance, wearing facial masks during the meeting, and not eating inside the building. Members of Han-Gil Presbyterian Church in Paju City were excited to come back to the community, and the highlight for the reopening worship service was a birthday party. However, attendance for the first Sunday worship back together was low as some were still not sure of the dangers of the "new normal." Amidst this situation, the church was also being presented with new questions: Who would check body temperatures at the church entrance? Was it safe to use the microphone together? In the transition to worshiping together again, leaders and congregations are discerning with care what fellowship and community look like.

This is a way of using creative gifts for the community. InnerCHANGE missionary and street artist Naomi Lawrence (@naomirag) and her "Crafty Ladies" group in Harlem are crocheting "ear savers" for first responders to relieve the pressure caused by wearing masks over the ears. They are partnering with cafes that are already making deliveries to hospitals to pass on plastic bags of "ear savers" for healthcare workers.

This is a way to connect with local and global believers. Through different digital platforms, worship services by Indian Pentecostal churches in the Bronx and Connecticut area are now joined by people from many different parts of the United States and Kerala India, whose churches have also closed to comply with and protect the community's health. Through songs, reading scripture, praying and encouraging one another, they are able to stand in solidarity with others who cannot worship and fellowship together.

This is a way to pray together to end the day. Rev. Christine Lee of St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Chelsea) has been leading Compline (evening prayers) twice a week at 9 PM via Facebook and Instagram live for several weeks now. This has been a way to bring together people near and far for an evening rhythm of reflection and prayer to close out the day.

This is a way to create space for ministry when a church building is not available. A few months ago, Zion NYC church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, lost their meeting space and had to transition to meeting in house church fashion. Because of their agility as a decentralized congregation, their 'ministry in the living room,' now via online communication, has led to designing new spiritual spaces to gather and deepened their practices of community, discipleship, creativity and prayer. From virtual lunch breaks to Zoom worship services, where they notice an increasing number of participants who have never heard the Gospel before, they are re-imagining ways to be church and community. Learn more here.

This is a way of praying as vigil. Members of the Indian Pentecostal churches in the United States are joining different prayer lines throughout the 24 hours of the day, with each person signing up for a one-hour slot, praying for those impacted by the COVID-19 and those responding to this pandemic.

This is a way of drawing children into worship through art. For Easter, Clare Wasserman of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church led Easter art making with children over Zoom. During Easter service, children displayed their work. After the service, they shared how their artwork, which included eggs, wreaths, donkeys, and a cross on a hill, symbolized elements of the Resurrection and Gospel message.

This is a way of encouraging women across the world. Sister Bola Oyesanya has been organizing "Intimate Time with Jesus" gatherings on Good Friday mornings for the past 4-5 years. What began as a non-denominational gathering for Christian women, held in her New York home's community space, expanded into local gatherings on multiple dates and locations. This year, over 60 women from all over the world - from Australia to South Africa, UK, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States - participated in a time of encouragement and affirmation, exploring examples of Biblical women for contemporary times over Zoom.

This is a way of gathering for sunrise service. Pastor May Lee and her Grace Alive Fellowship family met at their respective windows for sunrise service on Easter morning. While seeing different views and settings, they greeted Jesus at the empty tomb. As sunlight slowly illuminated the sky, the buildings, and the street, they were reminded to make time daily to sit with Jesus at the empty tomb, acknowledging the Hope Resurrection Sunday brings.

This is a way of feeding the city. Easter Outreach, a partnership of over 70 churches in the Greater Philly area that delivered more than 10,000 Easter meals in one day last year, has become a weekly "Service Saturday" to provide food to students, seniors, and low-income neighbors in their areas. Through the mobilization of volunteers donning masks and keeping a distance, coordination with city programs, and the expansion of its outreach sites, Easter Outreach extended the celebration of the resurrection through satisfying hunger beyond Easter weekend. Find out more here.

This is a way of showing gratitude. In cities around the world, grateful home-bound residents are finding creative ways to show their support of essential workers - those who support healthcare, infrastructure, sanitation, groceries, etc. and who remain at the frontlines of a world changed by COVID-19. From applause to classical music, honking horns to homemade instruments and shouts of support, the world is showing what it means to be connected and grateful for daily sacrifices made for others' wellbeing. In New York City, at seven o'clock at night, listen for the sound of clapping, yelling, bugling, salsa and more.

This is a way of sharing important health information in a neighborhood. In the Sandtown neighborhood of West Baltimore, lifetime resident Nina Anderson is calling her neighbors, making some one hundred phone calls. She is checking in to see how people are doing and reminding them to stay inside and stay healthy. "If you need something, say something," Nina tells everyone.  

This is a way of being present to families and staff at a hospital in the Bronx. Rev. Peter Acevedo, a member of the Damascus Council of Churches and a co-leader in Plus One Ministries, is a social worker at a hospital in a Bronx neighborhood facing the impact of COVID-19. Much of his time is given to caring compassionately for families who have someone in the hospital or have lost a loved one. But in this time of fear and anxiety, Peter is also able to pray with and support the staff around him. He comes home exhausted each night, resting to return to work the next day, strengthened in hope in God.

This is a way of continuing community relationships as a church and a local business. Postmark Cafe, in Brooklyn, is the home of Church! of Park Slope on Sundays and a community mainstay for the rest of the week. In order to protect their neighbors and team, Postmark has been closed as a cafe and meeting place for Church! over the past couple weeks. Brad, one of the co-pastors and the only employee of the cafe space, is using best practices to keep the cafe open for customers for whole bean or ground coffee pickup or local delivery to support the community-centered space. Find out more here.

This is a way of being a new "cross-cultural frontier." Pastor Joe Asmah of All Nations Church, a congregation with Ghanaian roots in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has been streaming Sunday Worship online for several years. "We are ready, God has been preparing us for this time."  Before starting online worship on a recent Sunday morning, he prayed with the team in the offline sanctuary. His prayer was not only for God's healing intervention for the church members and the world, but also for the airwaves and online equipment to be soaked by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Weekly on-line "attendance" is growing. Learn more about All Nations here.

This is a way of serving the homeless during these COVID-19 times. While many are able to stay home, this is not an option for homeless people in Athens, Greece. With a vision to care for the poor in the urban center of the city, First Greek Evangelical Church's "On the Way Ministry" provides care packages, grocery coupons, and hot meals in collaboration with other charities. Care packages are hung outside the church on railings for pickup, and a small group of volunteers distribute packages in places where the homeless live with care, wisdom, and precaution.This work may also lead to the beginning of a new church. Learn more about FGEC through their website. Because you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you. Isaiah 43:4

This is a way of enacting "this is the body of Christ." People still need food to eat in East New York Brooklyn, especially those who live in nearby homeless shelters. Given restrictions on gathering at churches, Pastor Vivian Grubb and True Holy Church needed a new approach. As a solution, they converted their sanctuary into a place to prepare bags of food. Instead of having people come inside to shop the pantry, volunteers distributed “grab and go” bags outside. The sanctuary has become something sacred in a new and unexpected way. Learn more about True Holy Church through their website.

This is a way of experiencing "the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes." Since wearing a facial mask has become an essential guideline for keeping society safe in South Korea, Rev. Young Doo Peter Kim, senior pastor of Han-Gil Church in Paju city, decided to share his personal face masks, the ten pieces that he had, to church members. His congregation is made up of mostly Ghanaian immigrants who have limited access to masks. This story spread through Facebook and many people are donating several boxes of masks to the church. To learn more about Han-Gil Church, visit their Facebook page.

This is a way of a local church and health center working together. When Esperanza Health Center in Philadelphia, led by Susan Post, needed more masks, they asked members of Spirit and Truth Fellowship to make them. Dr. Sue Baker, a founder and leader at Spirit and Truth, responded by ordering elastic and pipe cleaners to go with the fabric being supplied. She hopes she can sew at least 100 masks. Learn more about the work of Esperanza Health Center in Philadelphia through their website.

This is a way of praying collectively. At the Redeemed Christian Church of God Chapel of Hope in Brooklyn, Pastor Adebisi emphasizes prayer and fasting. With the pandemic, he now encourages congregants not to fast as usual. He has suggested instead that congregants eat regularly and pray for three minutes each hour to intercede for the health of their communities and world. Learn more about the Redeemed Christian Church of God Chapel of Hope through their website and visit their YouTube channel.

This is a way of doing evening prayers as a family. At the end of each day, just before the Gornik family turns in for the night, they light a candle, have a time of silence and prayer, read a Scripture text, and then sing a song from the Taizé community in France like “Bless the Lord,” “Jesus Christ, Bread of Life,” and “The Kingdom of God.”  Learn more about Taizé at their website. Listen to “Bless the Lord.”

This is a way to hear God speak through the Scriptures in community. Drawing from the spiritual practice of the public reading of Scripture (I Timothy 4:13), this global movement encourages gatherings to hear the text read aloud in groups. With technology that enables virtual meetings and immersive dramatized readings via an app, the Public Reading of Scripture pairs longer passages from the Old and New Testaments with Psalms as prayers. Learn how to launch a Public Reading of Scripture by going to this website.

This is a way of reflecting on the meaning of these times in our lives. Sister Marylin, who lives in Harlem and leads spiritual direction at City Seminary, shared a reflection with the staff. “Our call as God’s people in these times includes working to see the deeper invitation that the pandemic is providing. How might we be conscious of the transformation occurring within ourselves, our communities, the nation and the global community as we live through this time? Reflecting and perhaps journaling with the following questions may be one of the most important contributions we can make as God’s beloved in this challenging time: What has been arriving in my life these days? To what am I being invited to consider? What am I experiencing in these times? What is important to remember?”

This is a way to pray in community wherever you are. Continuing our commitment to pray for our city neighborhood by neighborhood, City Seminary has expanded the annual virtual pray and break bread, NYC to a weekly Wednesday morning community prayer Zoom, and replaced our scheduled neighborhood prayer walks in March and April with a virtual pbb.WHERE YOU ARE. Whether walking the streets (following social distance guidelines), at home or at work, on Zoom together or offline, we invite participants to pray in solidarity for the wellbeing of people around and places they are in. This is an example of a handout to guide the time.

This is a way to support medical professionals in a church. With many doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals attending the International Gospel Church, Pastor Geomon and Reji George have planned a special Zoom fellowship and prayer time to support them. In addition, from writing a personal note to having a telephone conversation, Pastor Geomon and Reji remind their members at International Gospel Church that they are not alone. They are journeying together.

This is a way to pass along the word on preventative health practices. In India, the leaders of Pentecostal church networks are calling and sending Whatsapp messages to fellow pastors. In these conversations, they are sharing basic preventative health information like how to wash hands and other safety precautions to practice every day. This is then shared with their congregations. Church leaders strongly believe that with this intersection of health and faith, they are able to more effectively contribute to slowing down the spread of COVID-19.

This is a way to be a neighborhood chaplain. Chaplain Adrienne Croskey is always on the go in her Harlem neighborhood, connecting with families, friends and neighbors. Now she is a chaplain in her neighborhood and city in a different way. She meets with people by phone and through prayer. She calls people in the hospital, praying with and for them. In these times, the days are often longer, but Pastor Adrienne continues to be present with the Gospel of "fresh oils" for the well-being of her neighborhood and city.

This is a way of passing the prayer baton. Based in Harlem but connected to cities in Florida, Maryland, and the Caribbean, community pastor Apostle Staci Ramos organized a 3-day weekend prayer shut-in and fast with her church contacts. This enabled some to gather in small groups in person, according to social gathering recommendations in place at the time, and others to join over a conference call. Groups took turns to pass a virtual prayer baton from church to church over the 72 hours. She has now passed the baton on to a church in the Bronx.

This is a way of doing youth ministry. In East Harlem, Miriam Acevedo is a leader in Plus One, a church-based ministry to youth. Because they are unable to meet in person, Miriam is in regular contact through phone, Facebook and Zoom, praying together in this time of pandemic and pause in the life of the city. The youth are already connecting through these media, so she has joined the conversation.

This is a way of mourning loss. Diaspora Indian Christian communities in New York City are modifying funeral rites by making personal videos and sending messages via Whatsapp and Facebook. These chats are saved and passed onto family members. Through these little steps, a community is walking with the family experiencing loss and mourning together.

This is a way of building community through art-making and conversation. Collaborating with street artist Naomi Lawrence (@naomirag), the Walls-Ortiz Gallery team has organized virtual yarn circles via Zoom on Tuesday afternoons and evenings in April and May 2020 to build a community through craft. The yarn flowers and leaves crocheted in apartments across the city will be collected and made into an outdoor yarn installation at the Fresh Oils Yarn Garden in Harlem. The Garden will become a space for in-person community conversations and more art-making when times allow those ways of being together again.

This is a way of caring for neighbors. Uptown Community Church in Washington Heights, pastored by Rev. Reyn Cabinte, is connecting church members and small groups to the needs of community and neighborhood. Following a check-in process, church members make pharmacy trips for their community and neighbors. Using Google sheets and docs, they have created different portfolios to be attentive to the most vulnerable, including the elderly, those in danger of eviction, and those facing possible unemployment. Learn more about Uptown Community Church at their website.

This is a way to serve members of a congregation. At Overseas Chinese Mission (OCM) in Manhattan, "virtual" small groups were formed to care for individual members on a more personal level. These small groups of 8-12 people are coming together via technology even if they cannot in person, still connecting and building community. In addition, pastors and elders are checking in regularly to make sure individual members, especially the elderly, have basic provisions. If not, they set up delivery services by connecting with those who live nearby. Learn more about OCM at their website.

This is a way of seeing and hearing the church throughout the city. At Redeemer Presbyterian Church Downtown, prayers from congregants around the city are pre-recorded at home. They are compiled into the Sunday worship service as a way of sharing and hearing from a range of voices from the congregation.

This is a way of responding to the rise in anti-Asian racism and violence due to the pandemic. Over several days through social media, a grassroots movement called the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC), including leaders from New York, has gone from a few to thousands who are mobilizing to respond as the Church to the increase in violence against Asians, who are associated with what some have called the "Chinese virus." In the last two weeks of March alone, almost 1,000 incidents of racism have been documented in the media. Learn more about the AACC's COVID-19 Statement here.

This is a way to see beauty in its many forms. A member of a downtown Manhattan church organized a WhatsApp group to connect church congregants in the same zip code. Her neighbor saw flowers being tossed out by a local store, and took them home to make beautiful handmade bouquets. These were in turn distributed (following social distance guidelines) to those in the church's neighborhood group.