Resources for Worship, Prayer, and Community Connection
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Candles at Duke Chapel
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Candles at Duke Chapel
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned life upside down for so many of us. It has raised questions that would not have come to mind until recently: How do we worship together when we cannot be in the same place? What do we ask of God in the face of an invisible, worldwide illness? How can give and receive help while keeping physical distance? The links, resources, and suggestions below are meant to begin to respond to these questions.
This webpage is an evolving document, so you are invited to check back to see when new resources are added. You are also welcome to make a suggestion for adding other materials by emailing Chapel Community Minister Rev. Breana van Velzen.
How Do We Worship?
Join in Online Duke Chapel Services
The Chapel is holding live online worship services at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. You can find the video, bulletin, and hymn for the service by Friday afternoon. Also, we are re-posting/rebroadcasting previous Evensong and Vespers and worship services each Sunday and Thursday, respectively. Watch them on YouTube or Facebook.
COVID-19: 100 Ideas for Ministers and Ministry Leaders
A minister in Texas has compiled a list of 100 (!) ways to worship, pray, and connect during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spiritual Communion
Some Christians are deeply nourished by regularly receiving communion but are unable to do so at this time. This order of service from the Episcopal Church’s Forward Movement offers a rite for Spiritual Communion.
How Do We Pray?
Prayers During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Compiled by the Center for Mission and Identity at Xavier University, these are prayers from the Jesuit (Catholic) tradition for those with the Coronavirus, those who care for them, and those who are suffering from anxiety during this stressful time.
Prayers from Many Faiths in an Age of Fear and Pandemic
The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County in California is compiling relevant prayers from a variety of faiths.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) liturgy and prayer resources
The Church of England has put together prayers specific the coronavirus pandemic, including ones suited for children.
How Do We Receive and Give Help?
Together Duke: Giving Back
See ways for the Duke community to find and give support, including how to donate to help students and healthcare workers.
Support for the Duke Community
The Duke Coronavirus Response website gives ways Duke students and employees can find care and support.
Duke Religious Life Groups
The ministers, leaders, and staff of all of Duke’s Religious Life groups are connecting students to conversation and pastoral care.
Resources for Christian Leaders During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Duke Divinity School’s Faith and Leadership website is keeping an updated list of sources for church leaders responding to the pandemic.
Mental Health Crisis Line
This is a crisis line for people feeling alone, having suicidal ideation, with anxiety, or having another need for mental and emotional support. Alternatively, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). For a Durham-based crisis line, you can call the Carolina Outreach Urgent Care at 844-866-1166.
Bull City Responds
Bull City Responds is Durham’s resource for finding financial assistance, filing for benefits, getting local government COVID-19 updates, and ways to help others during this time.