The COVID-19 pandemic has launched the ministry of the Church into the digital space as never before. From livestreamed worship to Zoom-based Bible studies to online Sunday school, parishes across our diocese quickly adapted to the restrictions placed on in-person gatherings and found creative ways to keep their members safe, connected, and growing in their faith. Many have found that moving into the digital space has led to increased engagement among members and to new connections with others in their community and elsewhere.
As we continue to adjust to our “new reality” and aim to use digital technology more fully in the advancement of the Church’s mission to love, teach, and heal, the Diocese is pleased to extend its Parish Mission Grants to this purpose. Special Parish Mission Grants for Digital Ministry Initiatives will be available throughout the remainder of this year (or until the designated funds are depleted) to assist parishes with the cost of starting new digital ministries or enhancing existing ones. Funding may be requested for the following:
- equipment purchases,
- one-time costs associated with infrastructure upgrades, and
- single-year subscriptions to digital services (such as one year of Zoom).
A separate application has been developed for these grants; interested parishes should complete and submit a Parish Mission Grant Application for Digital Ministry Initiatives.
Of course, traditional Parish Mission Grants remain available as well. See the Parish Mission Grant Application for details.