Better Together
Here you can find the most recent information and documents about the possible Adoption-Merger with Lovers Lane United Methodist. If you have questions please feel free to reach out to John Ozmun via e-mail at johnozmun@yahoo.com
Documents
| adoption_merger_summary_for_congregation.pdf |
An FAQ page regarding the adoption-merger process with Lovers Lane UMC
What are we hoping to accomplish with a adoption merger?
Why are we considering a adoption merger with LLUMC?
Changes in our society and culture over the last 10+ years have impacted church attendance greatly. WHUMC has been impacted by these and our membership has declined accordingly. In order to survive and thrive into the future, new, bold, strategic changes are required. After evaluating several strategic options, the Ad Council, along with an outside consultant, have determined that merging with a larger church will help both churches be “better together” (Also a title of book by the same name)
What is our vision for the church post adoption merger?
Our dream is to grow into the future as a diverse worshipping, learning, and serving body of Jesus Christ, inclusive of all people. We desire to accomplish this by growing our children and youth programs, increasing the number and variety of Christian Education/Formation, Small Group, and Spiritual Formation ministries for adults of all ages, encouraging Missional Involvement as an essential element of faith growth, and providing a wide variety of missional opportunities for all children, youth, and adults.
How will our issues around membership decline be addressed?
LLUMC has a track record of developing a church that is inclusive of many demographics and creating services and programs to enrich these groups. By applying their success, knowledge, and skills to WHUMC, we hope to accomplish the
same at our current location. In addition, they have social media and social marketing skills that we can employ to reach new audiences in the areas surrounding our church.
same at our current location. In addition, they have social media and social marketing skills that we can employ to reach new audiences in the areas surrounding our church.
What skills, talents, and programs can we share with LLUMC to attract new members?
There are many similarities between the two churches in Christian formation, mission outreach, and teaching. By coordinating with LLUMC, we can strengthen youth programs, mission programs of all types, and share best practices. One of the benefits WHUMC offers is that we have lots of space that can be used when LLUMC is space constrained. Vibrant programs are often key to attracting new members.
What does LLUMC hope to accomplish with a adoption-merger?
Adopting WHUMC allows LLUMC to accomplish one part of their “Dream” statement: “…we will worship God in multiple dynamic venues all across the metroplex…” Adopting WHUMC provides a learning example of how to do this for future venues, not only for LLUMC, but for the conference. Mergers are occurring at a rapid rate all across the USA, and they will most likely soon start happening in the North Texas Conference.
How Will WHUMC be represented in the conference and with what name?
WHUMC would become an extension of LLUMC and would be considered part of LLUMC in the conference. The WH Ad Council and the LL Church Council would need to decide the best branding for the Walnut Hill campus to attract those we want to attract and who are not part of the community there yet.
Will there be a contract or covenant statement written before the adoption merger is completed?
Yes, WHUMC and LLUMC will enter into a covenant statement outlining the parameters of the merger. This will need to be adopted by the LLUMC Church Council and the Walnut Hill Ad Council.
What events or activities are planned to help the two churches integrate and get to know one another?
WHUMC has been invited to participate in the LLUMC Good Friday Concert in April. Further joint leadership meetings will be scheduled. As the merger moves forward, LLUMC and WHUMC will need to plan a celebratory worship service and event to mark the start of the merger.
What will happen to Creative School after the adoption merger?
The Creative School will continue to operate just as it is: The name will stay the same, the administration and teachers will remain, its 501(C)3 designation remains, its steering committee will stay the same, and it will continue to offer developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum.
The merger may result in minor changes to the Creative School by-laws, but they will not likely be noticeable to the families of the Creative School.
The Creative School plans to expand with an additional 2’s class in the Fall of 2020 with future growth on the horizon. Additionally, they, along with Walnut Hill UMC, are working to expand the offerings of the Creative School through strategic partnerships that could include more frequent camps during Creative School holidays and an extended day during the school year to meet the changing needs of our families. LLUMC has expressed interest in seeing these programs grow.
The merger may result in minor changes to the Creative School by-laws, but they will not likely be noticeable to the families of the Creative School.
The Creative School plans to expand with an additional 2’s class in the Fall of 2020 with future growth on the horizon. Additionally, they, along with Walnut Hill UMC, are working to expand the offerings of the Creative School through strategic partnerships that could include more frequent camps during Creative School holidays and an extended day during the school year to meet the changing needs of our families. LLUMC has expressed interest in seeing these programs grow.
Does lovers lane anticipate closing Creative School? If no, is that plan for the foreseeable future or the next 1-3 years? Is there a plan to revisit this at year 3 or 5, etc?
There is no plan to close Creative School now or anytime in the future. There is no plan to revisit this at year 3 or 5 or anytime in the future, providing the Creative School continues to maintain steady enrollment and to contribute ongoing financial support for Walnut Hill UMC.
What Role does Lovers Lane plan to have concerning Creative School? Will Creative School remain a separate entity from Lovers Lane/Wesley Prep or are there plans for Creative School to roll under Wesley Prep in some capacity?
Creative School will operate separately from Wesley Prep.
Will Lovers Lane have any authority over Creative School tuition, staff, curriculum, etc.?
As the lead church in the adoption merger, Lovers Lane will have authority over Creative School tuition, staff, curriculum, etc., but there are no plans to use that authority to change the way the school is currently operating.
Will Lovers Lane have oversight of Creative School including a representative sitting on the creative school board?
As the lead church in the adoption merger, Lovers Lane will have oversight of Creative School as it will over Walnut Hill United Methodist Church. We will likely have a representative of Lovers Lane sitting on the Creative School Board, which will allow us to benefit from another perspective.
What are the impacts on WHUMC?
What will be the same, and what will be different after a adoption merger?
All current church services at WHUMC (worship, Sunday Schools, choir, Creative School, etc.) will continue as is at the Walnut Hill UMC.
The church will continue to be utilized for missional work with the plan to expand these opportunities. This includes all current Mission Projects and Programs, such as partnerships with Thomas Jefferson, Christ Foundry, Creative School and Studio Bella partnerships both of whom rent space in these facilities.
Things that will change: WHUMC will cease to exist as an independent congregation and our membership count will merge into LLUMC as one congregation. LLUMC will assume the fiscal, administrative and management responsibilities of the Walnut Hill Campus. The minister will be appointed by the Bishop to LLUMC and then assigned to WHUMC.
The church will continue to be utilized for missional work with the plan to expand these opportunities. This includes all current Mission Projects and Programs, such as partnerships with Thomas Jefferson, Christ Foundry, Creative School and Studio Bella partnerships both of whom rent space in these facilities.
Things that will change: WHUMC will cease to exist as an independent congregation and our membership count will merge into LLUMC as one congregation. LLUMC will assume the fiscal, administrative and management responsibilities of the Walnut Hill Campus. The minister will be appointed by the Bishop to LLUMC and then assigned to WHUMC.
Who Will Own the Church property and facilities, and who will be responsible for maintenance?
Title to the property, building, and contents will be transferred to LLUMC and they will become responsible for all upkeep and maintenance.
What changes will we see in our Sunday Services?
The current traditional style service and music will continue as it is today. LLUMC will assess the success of the traditional service and suggest changes that might push forward the mission and vision of LLUMC as needed. Over time as LLUMC begins to help us, new services for new audiences may be created.
Will there be additional services for new, different demographics?
It is too early to say definitively. LLUMC holds 9 services with many different demographics so they have a history of being able to reach out to many different types of people.
What impact will this have on current staff and ministers?
All staffing decisions will be controlled by LLUMC. It is too early to determine any specific impact on current staff and ministers. Common sense says that staff will be needed at WHUMC; however, it is not known at this time if any will be impacted. The minister will likely be new as the Bishop will appoint a minister to LLUMC, who will, in turn, be assigned to WHUMC.
How will this benefit youth and children's programs?
The youth and children’s programs of WHUMC would fall under the Family Ministry team of LLUMC, led by Revs. Scott and Sarah Luginbill. The vision for children’s ministry is to share the teaching approach and curriculum from LLUMC with WHUMC.
For example, children’s ministry provides kids the space to experience God. They will gather with friends, hear the Bible story told by a storyteller, then explore the story through art, prayer, or some other hands-on opportunity designed for the story each week. Following the exploration time, children are asked wondering questions, and are given the opportunity to wonder or to share about what they’ve just heard and experienced. Then the kids are “blessed” by the teacher who reminds them how special they are to God. Similarly, for all children, youth, and teen programs, the guiding principles will be to investigate, integrate, and collaborate.
For example, children’s ministry provides kids the space to experience God. They will gather with friends, hear the Bible story told by a storyteller, then explore the story through art, prayer, or some other hands-on opportunity designed for the story each week. Following the exploration time, children are asked wondering questions, and are given the opportunity to wonder or to share about what they’ve just heard and experienced. Then the kids are “blessed” by the teacher who reminds them how special they are to God. Similarly, for all children, youth, and teen programs, the guiding principles will be to investigate, integrate, and collaborate.
What Impact will this merger hae on missions and outreach programs local, national, and international?
The Missions and Outreach of LLUMC would absorb the mission and outreach of WHUMC. Many of our current “heart bursts” overlap, including work with Christ Foundry and Project Transformation. WHUMC would be invited to participated in the all church mission initiatives of LLUMC (such as mission trips, Everybody’s Christmas, Feed My Starving Children, and Rainbow Days Easter Carnival). The “heart bursts” of missions at WHUMC can continue with lay led initiatives and the development of a strategic plan to reach and serve more people in the neighborhood.
What impact will the merger have on Christian formation groups, Sunday School Classes, Small Groups, Youth and Children's Ministries, Etc.?
The current adult classes and small groups at WHUMC will not change but can be resourced by the Small Group/Class Pastor at LLUMC. WHUMC can participate in any of the short term or long-term classes and groups offered at LLUMC. See above for the specific answer regarding Children and Youth.
What impacT will the merger have on UMW Circles, new groups, programs, and budget?
Ideally, the WHUMC UMW will roll into the LLUMC UMW, while retaining their own circles. The UMW budgets could be combined for greater ministry impact.
Financial Considerations
How will "Designated" or "Restricted" Funds be managed in the adoption merger, especially the Foundation funds?
Funds will be held by LLUMC, basically in trust for WHUMC. There will be one treasurer but two separate budgets (One for LLUMC, one for WHUMC). Current funds of WHUMC will be used as they are currently designated for the Walnut Hill campus to maintain facilities and programs.
Will WHUMC Still have its own budget?
Yes. WHUMC’s budget will be created by the Finance Committee and staff of LLUMC and will be a line item on the LLUMC annual budget.
Who will decide which expenses WHUMC will handle and which LLUMC will Handle?
LLUMC will become fiscally responsible for WHUMC and will have oversight of all expenses and revenue.
Will we still pay apportionments and how will the amount be determined?
With an Adoption-Merger, Walnut Hill United Methodist Church and LLUMC United Methodist Church will become one congregation. Therefore, conference apportionments will be based upon one congregation. LLUMC has a history of paying apportionments in full.
Administration
What happens to WHUMC Trustees, Finance COmmiTtee, Missions Committee, SPRC, Christian Formation, and other Key Leadership teams?
The Trustees, Finance, SPRC, and any other administrative committees as currently known would cease to exist at WHUMC as they will be absorbed at LLUMC. The current committees will transform to “ministry teams” at WHUMC under the auspices of LLUMC. Details on how this structure will work are still to be determined. Lay Leader and committees on ministry, such as Missions and Christian formation, would remain.
HOw Will WHUMC Be Represented on the One Board (Ad Council) model at LLUMC?
A representative from WHUMC would be invited to be a part of all the LLUMC One Church Council Committees (Finance, Stewardship, SPRC, Legal/Risk, Facilities, Conference, Trusteeship).
Process for Deciding Adoption Merger
What is the decision-making process at LLUMC on determining whether to merge with WHUMC?
LLUMC will decide to move to Step 2 of the merger with a vote of the Church Council on February 16th. If the Council agrees LLUMC should move forward, the following steps will be led by the LLUMC Committee on Walnut Hill, in consultation with the LLUMC Church Council.
Who makes the decision at WHUMC Whether to merge or not?
A cross section of church members are on a strategic planning team, many of whom have been members of the church for decades, and who clearly have the best interests of the church in mind for the future. These are:
1. Senior Pastor Wally Williams
2. Rick Larsen, Ad Council Chair
3. John Ozmun, Lay Leader and Trustee
4. Mark Jacobson, Trustee
5. Lisa Buck, Creative School Steering Committee Chair
6. Lyndel Doran, Creative School
7. Ralph Caton
8. Rev. Jo Biggerstaff
9. Justin Bauer
1. Senior Pastor Wally Williams
2. Rick Larsen, Ad Council Chair
3. John Ozmun, Lay Leader and Trustee
4. Mark Jacobson, Trustee
5. Lisa Buck, Creative School Steering Committee Chair
6. Lyndel Doran, Creative School
7. Ralph Caton
8. Rev. Jo Biggerstaff
9. Justin Bauer
Has the ad council voted on this?
The Ad Council on January 19th approved entering deliberations with Lovers Lane on the proposed concept of merging. No formal vote on merging will be taken until after a period of “due diligence” has taken place. If after due diligence is completed and both church’s leadership teams agree to a merger, then a vote by all members will take place after all church members have had an opportunity to attend one of several presentations on the proposed merger and had a chance to ask questions.
Do the North Texas Conference Bishop and DS support the adoption merger?
As of early January, the Cabinet of the North Texas Conference is aware of and supportive of WHUMC and LLUMC entering discussions on the adoption-merger concept.
Will Church members be given a chance to vote on the adoption merger?
Yes. This will occur after the leadership teams of both churches have completed a period of due diligence and recommend proceeding with an adoption-merger. The details of this adoption merger will be shared with the members of WHUMC and a Called Church Conference will be held in which all members will have the opportunity to vote.
If I have a question on the adoption merger before a vote is take, to whom I direct it and how?
You may write your question and direct it to Wally Williams or John Ozmun (johnozmun@yahoo.com), or email adoption@whumc.com with your question.
What is the timeline for deciding to be adopted?
There is no fixed timeline. There is a process for undertaking an adoption merger, and it will be followed as expeditiously as possible. Typical adoptions can take 7 – 9 months. We hope to proceed faster than that. We will keep you informed on our progress as it is made.
AFTER a vote to be adopted is taken, how long will it take to make the adoption merger official?
Once the church members have voted, then the Cabinet and Building and Location committee must approve the adoption merger. These groups will be kept aware of progress, so the merger will not be a surprise to them. Typically, it takes 2-4 weeks for all parties to review and approved the merger.
What role does each member of WHUMC play in the decision?
The most important first thing a member can do is stay informed. Leadership is committed to holding town halls, sending out emails, establishing website with status and FAQs to keep each member updated. The next most important thing a member can do is ask questions if anything is not clear or has not been addressed or communicated. Third, if you are supportive of the adoption merger, encourage others to also support this. Let’s be known as the generation that took the bold action to ensure the future of WHUMC by approving the adoption merger.