Items

• 
  2020-03-30

  An unforgettable journey story

  It's my personal experience related to the pandemic. This experience prepared my to overcome greater challenges which I may still have to face in the future.
• 
  0000-04-24

  Finding Inspiration in Community While Apart

  At the beginning of March 2020, everything was going wonderfully for me personally, but also within my dance community. I grew up training intensely in several different styles of dance. But after three years of focusing my training specifically on Hip Hop, I had grown tremendously, developed stronger confidence in myself and a trust in my body, was engaging more actively in the overall Arizona Hip Hop community, and was on track to become President of my team for the upcoming school year. I had also organized a trip out of town with my team and a showcase to be held at the end of the year at a beautiful venue. However, as COVID-19 struck, all off those plans for the team, as well as all our weekly classes, practices and rehearsals were cancelled. Suddenly my most effective social, physical, and mental outlets were no longer available. I was going through my own significant struggles because of the pandemic, but I also became worried about what these changes would mean for the relationships and dance lives of everyone on my team. However, as true athletes and artists do, we found a way to reinvigorate ourselves and be there for each other. We decided to meet over zoom at least once a week to check in, talk about our experiences, and most importantly, find a way to dance together, remotely. . I was given the unique opportunity to listen and understand how collective times of crisis had affected my friends of various faiths and identities. The zoom call pictured is one where several of us met virtually to learn choreography from one of our teammates. This choreography would later be filmed in our individual locations and cut together to create a cohesive video. Throughout the pandemic, I have heard countless stories of creative people who lost their drive and inspiration in stress and defeat. However, I have also read and lived the stories of adjustment and perseverance. Being part of a community, whether it be rooted in art, academia, or religion, drives individuals to contribute. The dance community specifically has been devastated through lack of space to gather, learn, and perform. But it has also learned to utilize technology and been reminded of what we had taken for granted.
• 
  2020-10-08

  Is this our future?

  I look at this photo of my granddaughter wearing a mask and cannot help but think this might be her future. When I was her age, we did not have to worry about such horrible things like a deadly virus taking lives locally and globally. But if this is to be her future, then it will be second nature to her, because she will have grown up with it. I still find it hard to believe that my granddaughter at three years old, and my three grandsons have fallen in line with the protocol of changes this pandemic has brought to our doorstep and what they now have to endure. Sure, they may have some complaints about missing their friends. Who wouldn’t? But in today’s world, we have the luxury to still communicate through technology. I am not saying it replaces social interactions, but it does keep us connected to our friends and family, which is so crucial in all aspects of our lives. They did have a choice to attend school physically or virtually; they chose to take classes online. By staying inside and only going out when necessary, they are protecting themselves and others. The rest of the world needs to understand how serious Covid-19 is, and I know so many do. But some still do not believe it is real or that serious. Some of those people I know personally, and it drives me insane! But do you blame them when every day you see in the media many high-profile political leaders stand in front of the camera before the masses and make fun of other high profile politicians for following the CDC Covid-19 protocol so as not to spread the virus? What examples are they setting? There is no respect shown for those who have lost family and friends or those infected with Covid-19. Why are we told not to worry the virus is not that bad when thousands have and still are leaving this world because of being infected with the virus. So, it is no wonder this type of influence has caused such unrest between officials trying to control the virus and those fighting against them. Here in NC, the populous are fighting our governor on closing the doors of different establishments, such as retail stores, restaurants, salons, non-essential establishments, churches, etc., when the pandemic is at its highest. If the virus has leveled and not spiking, he will go into one of the softer phases, more lenient to the establishments and all in lockdown. What is surprising and so disappointing is in so many church leaders' attitudes—how they have handled the pandemic from the very beginning. You can expect a lot of rebellion from some of the retail industry, restaurants, clubs, and so on. But when you witness on the news a church with its community, not following the Covid-19 protocol, passionately holding a rally against the governor’s mandates, you wonder what the logic really is behind their actions. Apparently, it is not about spreading the virus. It is disturbing, like a scene from a bad movie; it is so unbelievable. It confuses me because we learned in church to love and care for one another. Still, these churches' leaders chose to sue the governor, instead of protecting the parishioners and others from a worldwide pandemic, leading by setting a good example. The virus hit the state hard. The governor mandated the closing of all church doors. He did not have a sinister plan to take people's rights away. The governor is desperately trying to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and asking the cooperation from NC. Once all settled and under control, the doors will open to the churches as well to life itself. The churches' leaders are not thinking of their people's wellbeing or the rest of the world when a virus of this proportion is spreading worse than the flu. The leaders of the churches that are suing are causing unrest between their congregation and the governor. They should be following the guidelines set by the governor and the CDC by using new and inventive ideas to service and protect their communities from getting through these difficult times. Some religious communities are coming together and putting their brains to work, coming up with creative ways to continue to carry on their religious traditions. Documentaries have shown religious organizations across the globe, organizing ways to continue their spiritual practice and rituals. Friends have shared their experiences of what their churches are providing for them to keep the connection of faith alive. These stories are refreshing and give me hope, but it does not make up for the injustice because a federal judge overruled the governor's mandate and opened the doors. So, are we mixing religion with the government? I am so proud of my grandchildren for understanding and being more compliant with this horrific pandemic than the adults we see on social media. If one has true faith, one can worship anywhere because my understanding is the god these parishioners believe in would accept praise and worship from anywhere - not exclusively a church. The question is, who really has the power and who has always driven that power?
• 
  2020-09-28

  Choice to be be pro choice

  Different career positions in the public sector and direct interaction with women facing the tough decision of abortion
• 
  2020-03-24

  An Unforgettable journey story

  It's my personal experience related to the pandemic. This experience prepared me to overcome greater challenges which I may still have to face in the future.
• 
  2020-04

  Jewish Melbourne: Chabad Kingston resources for Pesach

  L'Chaim Chabad Kingston assembled a website of resources for Pesach 2020, providing information for congregants: "As Jewish people around the world prepare for Passover under the pale of coronavirus, we are faced with a host of new challenges and questions. How are we to prepare with minimal ingredients and limited access to communal resources? How to celebrate the Seder alone? How will we celebrate the Festival of Freedom with our movement restricted? Find answers to all this and more ..."
• 
  2020-03-31

  Jewish Melbourne: ' Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) Pesach Guidelines regarding Covid-19 Situation compiled in consultation with the Melbourne Beth Din'

  This provides the Rabbinical Council of Victoria Guidelines for Covid-19 and Pesach, under a number of sections: Inviting guests for Yom Tov; Use of ZOOM for Pesach Seder; Yahrzeit Commemoration; Reaching out to the Vulnerable; Tzedaka – Charity
• 
  2020-08-22

  Facebook obituary

  My husband's aunt died from COVID. She had complications with a previous lung condition, and went to the hospital, but ultimately didn't survive. His uncle held a virtual mass to commemorte her life, held by the Santa Ana church. His uncle is absolutely gutted, and tested postivie for COVID as well. Luckily, he survived, but it pains him to survive without his beloved by his side. Peru, loss, grief, mass, death, virtual, obituary
• 
  2020-09-11

  Jewish Melbourne: Blake St Hebrew Congregation Shabbat Services

  Throughout the lockdown, as synagogues have been closed, Blake Street Hebrew Congregation has conducted Shabbat services via zoom, and shared videos on their Facebook page. At times this has involved singing with Moshe Hendel Feiglin for Mincha, which can be seen in this video.
• 
  2020-04-11

  Jewish Melbourne: Solidarity Seder

  On Saturday 11 April 2020, a group of Jews from across Australia gathered together on zoom for a 'Solidarity seder'. Organised by people from Here, Queer, and Jewish Australia, Sydney Left Jews, Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS), Fully Automated Luxury Kosher Space Kibbutz and Jews against Fascism, this seder raised money for undocumented migrants as well as Grandmothers Against Removals. Approximately 60 people gathered together, reading through the haggadah together, sharing a meal, and sharing ideas about what Jewish life and possibility looked like in that moment. Everyone agreed that this was a unique and special Jewish space.
• 
  2020-09

  Jewish Melbourne: Temple Beth Israel's 'Yachad'

  Temple Beth Israel created a website - Yachad - in order to bring community together during Covid times. The website hosts livestreams and recordings of services, as well as reflections, opportunities to hear the shofar, music, share recipes, order a machzor, and offer a blessing. There's messages from the rabbis, information about the High Holy Days services, and activities for children. They explain: "In many ways Covid-19 has taught us that community matters now more than ever! We are proud to launch this digital platform which will host our High Holy Day offerings for you and your family. Yachad, (“together”) in Hebrew, draws its name and purpose from “Shir La’Ahava”, a song by Israeli band Gaya. The lyrics of Shir La’Ahava which begin with the words yachad – lev el lev, (“together – heart to heart”), capture the optimism, love and unity which we hope will define our High Holy Day celebration this year."
• 2020-08-10

  How COVID-19 Affected Me in 2020

  2020 started off just like any other year. I was gearing up for my last on campus semester and continuing my job search for when I graduated. This was the year that I told myself that everything was going to fall into place. This was going to be the year that I found an apartment by myself, bought myself a new car, find my career, and get financially stable. Then i started hearing about the Coronavirus across seas, and I did not think much of it. I did not think that it would result in me being unemployed at age 22 and as a recent (almost) college graduate. However, I think the pandemic is almost what I needed, and what a lot of people needed. All throughout college I was working one if not two jobs while going to school full-time. It was stressful and overwhelming most of the time. I had bills to pay and ambitions to fill. In March of 2020, I secured a job within the hospitality industry, thinking this was something I would be truly happy doing. About a week later, I was furloughed from that job and my serving job due to COVID-19. I took this time to focus on my studies and finish up the semester. That first week was rainy so it almost felt right. Then another week passes, and another, and another. Until finally, I started receiving unemployment. I was filled with panic through the media and refused to leave my house in fear that I was going to die if I breathed the same air as another infected person. After that, I drove to my dads house in California in a rental car. I needed to get out of my small apartment and be with family. While I was there, my stepmom gifted me with her old car as she had bought a new one. I was shocked and overwhelmed with happiness. Fast forward a couple months and my lease was ending. I was searching for studio apartments to live in but was worried I was not going to get accepted due to being unemployed. I considered moving back home to Minnesota where my mom resides and where I went to high school. This was something that I did not want to do as I had established my own life, completely independent, out in Arizona. To add another factor was that my boyfriend lives in Arizona and I did not want to move away from him but our relationship was too new to move in together. One night, as I was laying in bed crying due to the overwhelming amount of stress that took over my mind about finding somewhere to live that I could afford and that was safe, I got a text from my stepdad. He asked if I would be interested in them purchasing a condo and I would pay them rent. This was something I was not expecting and was so grateful for, as this meant I did not have to go through the application process myself. I end up finding a place and move in end of July. Three weeks prior to moving in, my boyfriend gets infected with COVID-19. Now, I felt fine. I stayed inside for two weeks waiting for symptoms to show up. 11 days after exposure to the virus, I lost my sense of smell and taste. That was the only symptom I had, but after waiting a week and a half to get my test results, they came back negative. Although I was relieved, I did not, and still do not, believe that those test results were accurate. I slept in the same bed as my boyfriend the night before he came down with COVID-19 symptoms. There was no other explanation for why I lost my sense of smell or taste. During this time period, I put my fate in the hands of God to protect me. I prayed that I would be okay, and although my panic had subsided, I knew that I could trust God. 2020 has been a very rocky road, but I have accomplished so much throughout this year and I am grateful that I was able to experience this. I still hope and pray for the people who are losing their lives and losing loved ones, but it is just a matter of time before this subsides.
• 
  2020-08-10T13:46:00

  Check My Privilege: The Pademics Hidden Blessings

  When the pandemic became more serious in America in March 2020, I had just started my first class back in college at ASU online. I received my Associates degree 16 years before, and now I wanted to improve my job opportunities by getting a Bachelor's degree. I didn’t know it was the beginning of such a life changing year for me and the world. (To read more, click on PDF)
• 
  03/30/2020

  Deborah Lydon Oral History, 2020/03/30

  Title: Interview with Deborah Lydon by Lauren Meister Creator: Deborah Lydon and Lauren Meister Date: 03/30/2020 Description: This interview from Deborah Lydon highlights the response to the coronavirus (or COVID-19) pandemic within the context of the Midwest. Her insight as a healthcare lawyer with a background in biology gives a different perspective to her evaluation of the situation compared to someone in a different field of study. This interview was conducted during the second week of required social distancing as required by Mike Dewine, the Governor of Ohio.
• 
  2020-05-22

  Can You Gather With God Over Zoom?

  This article describes how several Quaker meetings (including the one my family attends), which involve mostly silent, communal contemplation, have altered their practices for social distancing.
• 
  04/01/2020

  Lena Oral History, 2020/04/01

  Thao Vu interviews Lena on how they feel religion intersects with the COVID-10 pandemic.
• 
  2020-05-29

  Healing Hands Community Clinic Response to COVID-19

  Sharon Annesley of Blanchard, Oklahoma tells the story of how her rural church created a non-profit community clinic. She also details how this small rural clinic adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her text document story chronicles how the clinic attempted virtual visits but was limited by technological access. Sharon details that clinic patients often elderly or generally without resources, had limited internet access which produced new obstacles for patients of the clinic. She also articulates the ways the clinic attempted to address these difficulties as they wait to reopen the clinic to the public in June. Text document authored by Sharon Annesley, Member of New Beginnings Church - Blanchard. The story is titled under the heading "HEALING HANDS COMMUNITY CLINIC RESPONSE TO COVID-19" (May 29, 2020) The story features photographs of the community clinic.
• 
  2020-05-15

  We Will Find a Way

  This picture demonstrates the enormity of the Covid-19 situation that we are in as a country through the measures put in place to protect the priest and the baby being baptized. It is important that while we have to obey certain sanctions put in place, we still find, as a religious community, ways to practice our beliefs within the restrictions.
• 
  2020-05-23

  Baptism at a Distance

  This meme shows the humor that so many are using to cope with the stresses of the pandemic. The meme represents, in a humorous way, that there is always a way to engage in activities that are important to individuals.
• 
  04/03/2020

  A Church's Prescription for COVID-19

  This local church offers just a single word for how to combat the growing virus threat. Aaron Peterka, Northeastern University
• 
  2020-05-15

  Mobile Palm Sunday

  This was a funny story. We were walking around for a bit in my grandmother's neighborhood, when we saw a priest in a car while we were crossing the street. My dad gave him a bowing gesture, and in return, the priest gave him a sign of the cross. But then, once we had crossed the street, the car pulled over to us, and offered to give us our Palm Sunday palms. He told us they had been sanitized, and blessed, and that he had a whole box of them he had been giving out. He told us that he had been going around all day giving palms and blessing to people. It was quite the uplifting experience, as we hadn't at all expected to get anything Palm Sunday related this year.
• 
  04/01/2020

  Three Participants Oral History, 2020/04/01

  An interview for REL101 between three people. As they do not name their selves they are labeled as three different interviewers in the transcript.
• 
  2020-04-01

  “So, I lost my faith a long time ago."

  “So, I lost my faith a long time ago. I grew up in a parochial school system and as I grew older I realized that I didn't believe what I was being taught. The covid-19 pandemic has really just solidified my beliefs that I don't believe in a higher power. I think that if a higher power did it exist they wouldn't let something like this happen.”
• 
  2020-04

  “Covid-19 hasn't directly impacted my faith or belief system so far.”

  “Covid-19 hasn't directly impacted my faith or belief system so far.” “I do not currently participate in a religious community.” “My… I don't have a current one however I have seen of churches gathering supplies for those in need and helping to take care of the elderly in their communities.”
• 
  2020-04-01

  “Covid-19 has affected my beliefs in the way that..."

  “Covid-19 has affected my beliefs in the way that it has made me strengthen my faith and I am a Christian and believe in Jesus Christ.” “No.” “Covid-19 has affected my participation in my religious community by social distancing not being able to gather in prayer and congregate for worshipping.” “Yes, my religious community helps with passing out lunches to the kids of the community that are underprivileged and don't have access to any lunch nor breakfast because they're closing up the schools.”
• 
  2020-04

  “It honestly hasn't affected it too much."

  “It honestly hasn't affected it too much. Like, yeah, it sucks. It's not the best but it’s something that's been happening and I’ve just kinda been dealing with it. I don't think it's like this whole like major religious thing that it's kinda being put out to be. It's not like the reckoning or anything. So, I’ve kinda just been dealing with it the best way I can.”
• 
  2020-04

  “It hasn't affected my beliefs or faith."

  “It hasn't affected my beliefs or faith. It's a strange time and I long to be with others but as far as my actual faith in God it hasn't changed it.” “They are not physically. We do watch weekly sermons and church service online but not physically are we able to get together.” “Unfortunately, we are not able to meet and so we haven't been able to participate in any one-on-one or group settings so it has affected us.”
• 
  2020-04

  “So I'm a Christian and I feel like it's affected my beliefs in positive and negative ways."

  “So I'm a Christian and I feel like it's affected my beliefs in positive and negative ways. In the negative ways our churches isn’t able to meet publicly and I really rely on a lot of people for emotional support and it’s kinda like a nice at the end of the week you get to go to church and see all these people and it's really refreshing.”
• 
  2020-04

  “I'm not really sure if it's affected my faith or beliefs."

  “I'm not really sure if it's affected my faith or beliefs. I've definitely been praying a lot more specifically for like family and just protection and things like that so I can't say it's negatively impacted but it’s probably made me use my faith a little bit more.”
• 
  2020-04

  “To be honest it hasn't affected my faith very much at all."

  “To be honest it hasn't affected my faith very much at all. I was a spiritual guy going into covid-19 and I still am. So I still believe that God's will be done so this is just part of his bigger plan and I'm doing my best to accommodate that and live in the moment.”
• 
  2020-04

  “You know when you first asked that question..."

  “You know when you first asked that question or when you sent it to me to look at. I really had not even thought about the question because to me it didn't affect anything with my faith or my beliefs. Yeah, it's like from my perspective we're talking two different things. It would be like blaming my neighbor for something that someone else far away had done and I just can't do that. I can't put blame or change the way I believe about God or about mankind or people based off something someone else has done.”
• 
  2020-04

  “It hasn't really challenged my faith or my beliefs."

  “It hasn't really challenged my faith or my beliefs. I think it's helped me lean on them more. It's definitely stretched it a little bit but in the sense of refocusing my faith in Jesus and just in this season allowing sometimes the difficult moments to refocus us and putting our focus on what we believe. So, it hasn't really changed it in a bad sense. It's actually strengthened it I believe.”
• 
  2020-04

  “I think it has brought it to light a little bit more than normal..."

  “I think it has brought it to light a little bit more than normal just because there's some confusion and fear and I was thinking they don't... they always say there is no atheist in a foxhole. So, yeah, it brings it to light but I think it's nice that I've always had that routine or that in the background to just rely on anyway and now it just goes a little deeper.”
• 
  2020-04

  “I believe my faith has grown stronger because of it.”

  “I believe my faith has grown stronger because of it.” “Yes, we’re still gathering. It is through the internet. Our small groups are through the internet as well.” Yeah, so, I belong to Saddleback Church and we’re in Orange County. We have something that's called the peace forum and we grow vegetables and fruit and also take donations. We are providing those to all of the needy in our community.”
• 
  2020-04-30

  March 11th, 2020. The Day I took COVID-19 Seriously

  A personal account.
• 
  2020-03-24

  "The Hermit Herald" vol. 1, Issue 3

  CV protocols; therapies Update; CV and gun sales; Libya; CV & Religion.
• 
  2020-04-13

  Prominent Virginia pastor who said ‘God is larger than this dreaded virus’ dies of covid-19

  This article explains that a pastor from Virginia named Gerald Glenn still held in-person services at his church. The governor of the state ordered that all non-essential businesses and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. However, the pastor continued with his in-person services. According to him, his God and preachings needed to continue because they're bigger than the virus. On Saturday, April 11, the pastor passed away due to coronavirus. His wife also tested positive with COVID 19.
• 
  03/12/2020

  COVID-19 Is a Devil Testing Organized Religion

• 
  04/17/2020

  A monastery in Ukraine once scoffed at coronavirus measures. Now, it is a hot spot.

  In this article, it is discussed that the Monastery of the Caves that lies in Ukraine has been turned into a coronavirus pandemic. How when news first broke out about the virus, monastery authorities didn't take much action. So as the month went along, it was found that more and more people were testing positive for COVID-19. Ever since then, the monastery has taken strict action. How the article goes into detail of what police authorities have done to seal off the monastery and also what Ukraine is doing as a whole.
• 
  04/03/2020

  Can faith healing work by phone? Charismatic Christians try prayer to combat the coronavirus.

• 
  04/08/2020

  War over Easter: Kansas lawmakers revoke governor’s order limiting church gatherings

  The article discusses how lawmakers in Kansas voted to revoke Governor Laura Kelly's order that limited religious gatherings to 10 people, allowing Easter services to take place. Opponents argued that it is not safe for groups of 10 or more to meet right now, and that this gives churches more freedom than secular groups that would also like to meet but are not exempt from the 10 person limit. Supporters argued that they are aware of the dangers that we are facing because of the coronavirus and precautions will be taken to keep people safe.
• 
  2020-04-18

  Looking at religion during the COVID-19 pandemic

  This article talks about the life for christians since the COVID-19 breakout that has happened in the United States. Most importantly is it talks about how people need hope during this time of distress and how the church can bring such thing into peoples lives. It also discusses how people have adapted to still fulfill there religious obligation even with everything that is going on. From having confession outside, park and pray, and so much more.
• 
  2020-04-04

  "REL-The extremists of Christianity"

  The rightwing Christian preachers in deep denial over Covid-19's danger
• 
  2020-04-05

  Prayer

  This image is showing the power of prayer and Jesus. In this image it shows nurses and doctors praying in an operating room. This picture is showing how strong nurses and doctors are and how they are praying to god during this tragic time.
• 
  2020-03-22

  Lt. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah expresses "disappointment" with LDS missionary families for congregating en masse at SLC airport due to returning missionaries

  Missionaries returned home as a result of the pandemic and were greeted by large amounts of family members despite dire warnings from the government to avoid spread of the disease.
• 
  3/22/2020

  Church goes online and we worship at home.

  Picture I took of my daughter Ava (12) praying with her jr high pastor after his message to the Jr High group online this Sunday.
• 
  03/22/2020

  Online Church Service

  This image shows the online church service by the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley on Sunday morning, 3/22/2020. This group service via Zoom, necessitated by the “social distancing” mandated during the COVID-19 crisis, shows how one way older people are maintaining social connections. I have censored names and other personal information.
• 
  03/22/2020

  Online Church Service

  This photo shows the online (via Zoom) Sunday morning service of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley. This is the church I attended growing up and my mom is the President of the congregation. I have censored names and other personal details.
• 
  2020-03-18

  Stay Connected with our Online Services and Programs

  Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Georgia, started holding services and programs remotely on March 16, 2020. The move was made for general public health reasons, and in particular to protect the many vulnerable individuals who are part of the synagogue community.
• 
  2020-03-18

  Message from Rabbi Josh at Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Georgia

  This message was posted by Rabbi Joshua Lesser of Congregation Bet Haverim in Atlanta, Georgia, a Reconstructionist synagogue founded by LGBTQ+ Jews in the 1980s, during the AIDS epidemic. The message offers spiritual guidance and grounding in the synagogue's history of compassion toward people who were marginalized during the HIV epidemic that ravaged and stigmatized the Gay community at the time of the synagogue's founding.