As part of our collection of resources in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), here are some resources for churches preparing to increase their digital ministry.
How to Stream Worship
When Lockdown Leads to Livestreaming: “I pastor a church under COVID-19 restrictions. This is how we worshipped online with only 3 days prep.”
Sunday Service March 8, 2020: An example of a service conducted from a home, posted to Facebook and Twitch tv. Instructions given to the congregation about how to give online, text in prayer concerns, etc.
University Congregational UCC was Live: An example of a Facebook Live service from a sanctuary with minimal leadership.
Zoom Worship Preparation with Bruce Reyes-Chow: A series of recorded workshops.
Getting Started with Church Online: a webinar with Practical Resources for Churches, Wednesday March 11 at 7 pm Eastern. Preregister. Practical Resources for Churches also offers a number of other relevant webinars.
Streaming Worship PDF from 1001 New Worshipping Communities (PCUSA)
Create a FREE online interactive “non-streaming” worship experience during the Coronavirus crisis
Copyright for Music, Liturgy and other Resources
Music and Intellectual Property: be aware of copyright! Avoid pre-recorded music. Music in the public domain is acceptable and shouldn’t cause you any issues. If you are streaming worship, you will need a streaming license that covers your songs (yes, even if you have the hymnals). Visit CCLI, OneLicense, or your usual music licensing provider for the add-on license to cover this circumstance. If you are going to post worship on Youtube, make sure you include a disclaimer with your permission/licensing so your recording is not removed.
Ask The UMC: How can we livestream worship legally?
Bulletins – While a streaming license covers broadcasting the music and lyrics that may be projected, it usually does not cover printed (hard copy or electronic) materials like bulletins or song sheets you may post online or mail out.
Free Licenses and Resources with Free License
Some are offers limited time, please read carefully dates and conditions.
- One License (music)
- Temporary Expanded Licensing from Augsburg Fortress
- Temporary Permission for United Methodist Book of Worship Content
- Chalice Press update on musical licenses and streaming worship online (includes great video on how music licenses work)
- The Book of Common Prayer (1979)
- Piano Accompaniments of Public Domain Hymns
- Other Public Domain Texts and Tunes
- Children’s Book Publishers Adapt Licenses (great for children’s time)
Best Practices
- Step-by-Step: How to Download a Facebook Live Video (Your Own and Someone Else’s)
- Preaching to an Empty Room
Click Here for more resources on planning worship – including liturgy, prayers, communion practices, and more
More links and resources will be added as they become available. See more resources for addressing ministry during the COVID-19 Outbreak from the Wisconsin Council of Churches on our Coronavirus Page
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