The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing in Ohio and across our nation at a rapid rate.
The Ohio Conference wants to direct our churches and members, schools and churches to the best resources regarding personal and public safety, both in your homes and local churches.
This page contains the latest information available for our members. Please note the date of each update for current news, information, and counsel.
We strongly recommend everyone follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Adventist Risk Management, as well as the State of Ohio Department of Health.
NEWS & INFORMATION:
August 13, 2020
“Some months ago, I made an urgent appeal to our constituency, to remain faithful in giving during the COVID crisis,” said Bob Cundiff. “I did this out of great concern for the Lord’s work as well as our employees for the Ohio Conference.
“Praise the Lord and thank you to our faithful constituents who have been so generous and open handed with your resources,” he said.
“As a denomination that cares deeply about the health and wellness of our members and our community, it seems appropriate that the Seventh-day Adventist Church should be a leader in caring for others – even if it causes a minor inconvenience to me,” said Cundiff. “Thank you to the majority of you who are practicing faithfulness in your giving, and in your mask wearing, and in how you represent us as a church. You have gone above and beyond in your giving, and now you are going above and beyond in your care and concern for one another.”
Watch this video message for additional details.
July 23, 2020
State of Ohio has mandated facial coverings be worn by everyone, with the exemption of officiants of a religious service.
The Ohio Conference strongly encourages the following of these recommendations and the wearing of masks in church.
June 4, 2020
Ohio Conference churches may resume face-to-face worship, following the Ohio Conference Facility Reopening Plan. Learn more in this message from Elder Bob Cundiff, Ohio Conference president:
Ohio Conference has entered Stage 2 of their “Ministry Does Not Stop” COVID-19 action plan.
What does this mean? Read our:
Ohio Conference COVID-19 Response plan
Churches advised to follow CDC guidelines along with the Ohio Conference:
May 28, 2020
Ohio Conference churches asked to continue worshiping virtually for next one to three weeks. Watch message from Elder Bob Cundiff, Ohio Conference president.
May 21, 2020
Ohio Conference Moves Forward with Summer Camp Programming
Family Camp is planned for this summer at Camp Mohaven, run by COVID-19 trained and certified staff.
June 28-July 5
July 5-July 12
Register today or learn more here.
Facility Reopening Plan
Ohio Conference leadership has released their Facility Reopening Plan, designed to assist local churches and entities with recommendations and preparations for reopening church buildings and facilities.
Ohio Conference church facilities will remain closed for the time being, with services and programs continuing virtually. #MinistryDoesNotStop
May 4, 2020
The Ohio Conference One-Day Camp Meeting has been cancelled. Ohio’s “Stay Safe Ohio” order includes the continued closure of camps, and is not scheduled to expire until May 29, 2020.
No final decision has been made yet about Ohio Summer Camps.
April 30, 2020
Ohio Conference updates their “Ministry Does Not Stop” COVID-19 Action Plan. #ministrydoesnotstop
Revised “Ministry Does Not Stop” COVID-19 Action Plan
Read FAITHPOINTS article about RestartOhio and the Ohio Conference
Responsible RestartOhio Protocols
Sector Specific Operating Requirements
Cleaning and Disinfecting Before Reopening
Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff shares a report on Mission and Education amidst the COVID-19 crisis here in the Ohio Conference.
April 27, 2020
Administrators of the Ohio Conference are monitoring the recommendations and guidelines from the White House, CDC, and Governor Mike DeWine. We expect to announce plans for the Ohio Conference later this week.
April 13, 2020
As of today camp has not been cancelled. A decision will be made on May 1st regarding the 2020 summer camp season.
March 21, 2020
Dr. Peter Simpson, Hispanic Ministries director for the Ohio Conference, shares a message to our members during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
March 20, 2020
Sabbath video message from Roy Simpson, Ohio Conference treasurer.
Ohio Conference releases their “Ministry Does Not Stop” COVID-19 Action Plan to local church ministry leaders via email, to all via Faithpoints e-newsletter and social media platforms. #ministrydoesnotstop
“Ministry Does Not Stop” COVID-19 Action Plan
March 19, 2020
Ohio Conference releases their “Ministry Does Not Stop” COVID-19 Action Plan to pastors.
March 17, 2020
Ohio Conference office to transition to virtual operations as of close of business today through March 26, 2020.
Ohio Conference News Release #4
March 16, 2020
Ohio Conference News Release #3
Ohio Conference begins their #ministrydoesnotstop resource library.
Read more
March 15, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution and care for the community we serve, the leadership of the headquarters (General Conference) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has decided employees will work remotely until March 30th, 2020. Read more
The Columbia Union Conference headquarters will do the same, March 16-19, 2020. Read more
March 13, 2020
NAD Administration Provides Guidance for Church During COVID-19 Pandemic
March 12, 2020
Ohio Conference News Release #2
State of Ohio Bans Mass Gatherings of 100 or more (Read point #7 regarding exclusion of religious gatherings, first amendment free speech, weddings and funerals)
Governor DeWine Announces School Closures
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, he has ordered that all kindergarten through 12th grade schools close for a period of several weeks.
Beginning at the conclusion of the school day on Monday, March 16, all K-12 schools will close to students through Friday, April 3. This order includes all public, community, and private K-12 schools in the state, but does not apply to Ohio’s childcare system such as daycare centers and home-based childcare providers.
During this extended period of closure, schools should work to provide education through alternative means and school district leadership may make decisions on whether to use their school buildings. Staff members should continue to report to school as directed by administrators.
“We want to thank educators and administrators for the extraordinary efforts they will take to continue offering services during this time of national crisis,” said Governor DeWine.
Over the next 72 hours, the Ohio Department of Education will develop guidance for K-12 schools to ensure the continuity of important student services, including a strategy for providing meals.
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CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to large portions of Europe. There may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas. Widespread, sustained spread of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in countries in this region.
Illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms of infection include fever, cough, and trouble breathing. This new coronavirus has caused severe disease and death in patients who developed pneumonia. Risk factors for severe illness are not yet clear, although older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
March 11, 2020
Video of additional recommendations by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine from today at 2:30PM (includes mass gathering recommendations)
March 10, 2020
Video of recommendations by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine from today at 2:00PM
Coronavirus has been confirmed within the State of Ohio. Follow updates from the
State of Ohio Department of Health
Información sobre coronavirus (COVID-10) de Adventist Risk Management
Informations concernant le coronavirus (COVID-10) d’Adventist Risk Management
March 5, 2020
Pathfinder Bible Experience Division level CANCELED
March 3, 2020
IMPORTANT! Before you travel outside the United States, whether it be for a church mission trip, school mission trip, or for pleasure (conference employees), please check with the Ohio Conference so we may help to ensure you and your trip would be covered by insurance.
The Ohio Conference should be apprised of all church or school related mission trips before tickets are purchased. Thank you.
School-related trips: Richard A. Bianco (740.397.4665, ext 131)
Church-related trips: Roy M. Simpson (740.397.4665, ext 136)
Pastors traveling outside the USA: Oswaldo Magaña (740.397.4665, ext 114)
Teachers traveling outside the USA: Richard A. Bianco (740.397.4665, ext 131)
TRAVEL + INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS
Regarding travel, the CDC has regularly updated recommendations.
Click here for current restrictions and warnings.
Adventist Risk Management has received a number of questions about how our travel insurance policies relate to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Click here for current ARM recommendations and FAQ
Click on the image to visit the live, interactive global coronavirus map
Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) – General Conference Health Ministries