|
Here, you will find the most relevant information on our Coronavirus updates, precautions, and closings.
|
April 15, 2020
Exciting Adoption Merger Update
I am excited to report that the initial viewership of our Easter services broadcast from WHUMC appears to have been a success. Many of us have received favorable comments. In addition, we looked at the number of people accessing the services and saw that we had more than 60 unique hits from devices, and if there were on average 2+ people per device, then “attendance” might have been more than 120+. This would be above our average attendance in the weeks prior to church closure.
We will continue to have worship services from our sanctuary, and I am pleased to announce that we will have ministers from LLUMC delivering the sermons in the coming weeks. This coming week, Stan Copeland, Sr. Minister from LLUMC, will deliver the message. This service will be available starting at 10:30 on Sunday and can be accessed by going to our own website.
Discussions will start this week on developing an approach to define the details around the adoption merger. This process will take several weeks to complete. Once it is completed, we anticipate holding “town halls” to inform you about those discussions and get your feedback.
Tornado Recovery
Our insurance company has agreed with us that our stained-glass windows did indeed incur damage during the tornado. Several of us are working to get final bids for the repair/restoration of the windows so that we can select a vendor to perform the repairs. Once a vendor is selected, the repair/restoration will take about a year to complete.
Upper Room Magazine
We have received the April/May edition of the Upper Room. Please email me directly if you would like a copy mailed to you and indicate whether you want regular or large type. I will get one mailed to you.
Church Finances
Wow! Check out how we are doing financially for April due to your generosity and faithful giving:
Because of your generosity in responding to our immediate need and for those of you who have sustaining and/or recurring automated gifts, we have almost covered our monthly expenses for April with two weeks remaining.
If May continues with shelter-in-place, our expenses will be like April’s. We have applied for a government low-interest Paycheck Protection Program loan for 8 weeks of payroll and utilities for both the Creative School and the church. This loan's principal may be forgiven within 6 months if we comply with the program requirements, costing us about $650 in interest. However, there is no guarantee that we will receive any funds, so your continued faithfulness in giving is necessary.
Thanks also for taking care of your family and yourself. We understand everyone's finances may get tighter as we continue shelter-in-place. That makes us appreciate all the more whatever you can give. You may give any time at our donate page. Or, you may continue to drop off gifts at our locking mailbox at the atrium entrance or inside at the east/Nutshell entrance in the locked blue box, or mail gifts.
I am excited to report that the initial viewership of our Easter services broadcast from WHUMC appears to have been a success. Many of us have received favorable comments. In addition, we looked at the number of people accessing the services and saw that we had more than 60 unique hits from devices, and if there were on average 2+ people per device, then “attendance” might have been more than 120+. This would be above our average attendance in the weeks prior to church closure.
We will continue to have worship services from our sanctuary, and I am pleased to announce that we will have ministers from LLUMC delivering the sermons in the coming weeks. This coming week, Stan Copeland, Sr. Minister from LLUMC, will deliver the message. This service will be available starting at 10:30 on Sunday and can be accessed by going to our own website.
Discussions will start this week on developing an approach to define the details around the adoption merger. This process will take several weeks to complete. Once it is completed, we anticipate holding “town halls” to inform you about those discussions and get your feedback.
Tornado Recovery
Our insurance company has agreed with us that our stained-glass windows did indeed incur damage during the tornado. Several of us are working to get final bids for the repair/restoration of the windows so that we can select a vendor to perform the repairs. Once a vendor is selected, the repair/restoration will take about a year to complete.
Upper Room Magazine
We have received the April/May edition of the Upper Room. Please email me directly if you would like a copy mailed to you and indicate whether you want regular or large type. I will get one mailed to you.
Church Finances
Wow! Check out how we are doing financially for April due to your generosity and faithful giving:
Because of your generosity in responding to our immediate need and for those of you who have sustaining and/or recurring automated gifts, we have almost covered our monthly expenses for April with two weeks remaining.
If May continues with shelter-in-place, our expenses will be like April’s. We have applied for a government low-interest Paycheck Protection Program loan for 8 weeks of payroll and utilities for both the Creative School and the church. This loan's principal may be forgiven within 6 months if we comply with the program requirements, costing us about $650 in interest. However, there is no guarantee that we will receive any funds, so your continued faithfulness in giving is necessary.
Thanks also for taking care of your family and yourself. We understand everyone's finances may get tighter as we continue shelter-in-place. That makes us appreciate all the more whatever you can give. You may give any time at our donate page. Or, you may continue to drop off gifts at our locking mailbox at the atrium entrance or inside at the east/Nutshell entrance in the locked blue box, or mail gifts.
April 1, 2020
Lovers Lane Approves Adoption-Merger!
Exciting Adoption Merger Update
On March 30, I received an unexpected call informing me that LLUMC leadership team has approved moving forward with the adoption merger. I did not expect that call until mid-April. In addition, our Ad Council leadership has approved a motion for adoption merger with LLUMC. Now the two churches can meet to begin negotiating the obligations and promises, called a covenant, of each church. This will be presented to our congregation for a vote. Before that happens, LLUMC and WHUMC will conduct “town halls” either through live streaming or some other process to inform the congregation what the roles and responsibilities will be for each church. I will keep all informed of this process as it unfolds and is defined.
This fast decision was made possible due to the efforts of many staff and volunteers who put together the due diligence documents. We can all take pride in the level of effort our teams expended in creating those documents and in the professional way in which the presentations went. I have mentioned several times to LLUMC that besides acquiring a church building in the adoption merger, they would acquire some very dedicated and talented people. Those team members did not disappoint. In nearly every one of the presentations, LLUMC sincerely thanked us for the thoroughness of information presented, the transparency, and the orderly professional organization of the information. After one presentation, Facilities and Inventory (a very large document), which lasted two hours, one LLUMC leader commented that his heart was warmed by the thoroughness and transparency which we had shown them.
Out of Challenges Can Come Great Opportunity
The last six months in the life of WHUMC have appeared to be one challenge on top of another. First, we recognized we needed to have a significant strategic change in the way the church operates in order to survive long term. That was an “emotional hill” for a lot of people to accept. Second, the tornado in late October struck, and made a mess of the church, making many of us ask “How will we get through this?” Finally, the coronavirus caused us to close the church entirely. Taken together, it might be enough for us to say “Okay, I give up!”
Well, don’t give up. Take heart from this scripture: “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
These challenges have in ways strengthened us, and maybe in ways in which we are not even yet aware. We have engaged with Lovers Lane UMC to pursue an adoption merger, which appears to be on course to happen, and have formed a strong relationship with that church that will benefit both churches over the coming years. Out of the tornado, we have learned about the resilience of the church members, staff, volunteers, and the hard working and dedicated workers of Dalworth who have restored the church to a condition better than before the tornado. None of us could have imagined how we were
going to conduct a much-needed major facelift on the church before it happened. And now the virus…while it has separated us, it may have strengthened us in reaching out to each other in new ways and lifting others up in prayer and other means. We are learning new ways to connect to each other. And have you noticed all the leaders, politicians, companies, even ads saying, “We are in this together!” We! What a concept. It used to be “Them and Us”. Maybe it is bringing us together to realize we really are “one” …better together.
None of us know when life will return to normal. We will not even know what “normal” will look like. Look for new opportunities during this time to create your own “normal”. You may discover new ways to appreciate all the blessings we have despite some of the challenges we have faced.
Church Services
Sadly, the Bishop has indicated that churches in the conference will be closed through April. I encourage you to take advantage of the Holy Week Services from LLUMC (see the picture below).
In addition, please consider joining WHUMC programs during the week of Virtual Wesley with Anna Bundy (Tuesdays) and Online Bible Study with Jo Biggerstaff (Thursdays).
Church Finances
We have been blessed that so many of you are continuing to support us with your gifts and offerings even though we do not meet on Sunday. The fixed costs of the church plus the support for ongoing programs that are important to each of us continue and we need to encourage each and everyone to be generous as you can be. Here are a few reasons why:
We recognize that these are trying times financially for many and our hearts go out to those impacted by the layoffs and furloughs. But as you are able, please continue your support for our church in one of these ways:
Instead of buying lilies for Easter this year, since there will not be in-person church, please consider donating money to North Dallas Shared Ministries.
Thank you,
John Ozmun
Lay Leader
Exciting Adoption Merger Update
On March 30, I received an unexpected call informing me that LLUMC leadership team has approved moving forward with the adoption merger. I did not expect that call until mid-April. In addition, our Ad Council leadership has approved a motion for adoption merger with LLUMC. Now the two churches can meet to begin negotiating the obligations and promises, called a covenant, of each church. This will be presented to our congregation for a vote. Before that happens, LLUMC and WHUMC will conduct “town halls” either through live streaming or some other process to inform the congregation what the roles and responsibilities will be for each church. I will keep all informed of this process as it unfolds and is defined.
This fast decision was made possible due to the efforts of many staff and volunteers who put together the due diligence documents. We can all take pride in the level of effort our teams expended in creating those documents and in the professional way in which the presentations went. I have mentioned several times to LLUMC that besides acquiring a church building in the adoption merger, they would acquire some very dedicated and talented people. Those team members did not disappoint. In nearly every one of the presentations, LLUMC sincerely thanked us for the thoroughness of information presented, the transparency, and the orderly professional organization of the information. After one presentation, Facilities and Inventory (a very large document), which lasted two hours, one LLUMC leader commented that his heart was warmed by the thoroughness and transparency which we had shown them.
Out of Challenges Can Come Great Opportunity
The last six months in the life of WHUMC have appeared to be one challenge on top of another. First, we recognized we needed to have a significant strategic change in the way the church operates in order to survive long term. That was an “emotional hill” for a lot of people to accept. Second, the tornado in late October struck, and made a mess of the church, making many of us ask “How will we get through this?” Finally, the coronavirus caused us to close the church entirely. Taken together, it might be enough for us to say “Okay, I give up!”
Well, don’t give up. Take heart from this scripture: “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
These challenges have in ways strengthened us, and maybe in ways in which we are not even yet aware. We have engaged with Lovers Lane UMC to pursue an adoption merger, which appears to be on course to happen, and have formed a strong relationship with that church that will benefit both churches over the coming years. Out of the tornado, we have learned about the resilience of the church members, staff, volunteers, and the hard working and dedicated workers of Dalworth who have restored the church to a condition better than before the tornado. None of us could have imagined how we were
going to conduct a much-needed major facelift on the church before it happened. And now the virus…while it has separated us, it may have strengthened us in reaching out to each other in new ways and lifting others up in prayer and other means. We are learning new ways to connect to each other. And have you noticed all the leaders, politicians, companies, even ads saying, “We are in this together!” We! What a concept. It used to be “Them and Us”. Maybe it is bringing us together to realize we really are “one” …better together.
None of us know when life will return to normal. We will not even know what “normal” will look like. Look for new opportunities during this time to create your own “normal”. You may discover new ways to appreciate all the blessings we have despite some of the challenges we have faced.
Church Services
Sadly, the Bishop has indicated that churches in the conference will be closed through April. I encourage you to take advantage of the Holy Week Services from LLUMC (see the picture below).
In addition, please consider joining WHUMC programs during the week of Virtual Wesley with Anna Bundy (Tuesdays) and Online Bible Study with Jo Biggerstaff (Thursdays).
Church Finances
We have been blessed that so many of you are continuing to support us with your gifts and offerings even though we do not meet on Sunday. The fixed costs of the church plus the support for ongoing programs that are important to each of us continue and we need to encourage each and everyone to be generous as you can be. Here are a few reasons why:
- Generosity keeps us from placing ourselves at the center of our universe.
- Generosity invites us to shift our security from what we can keep to what we can give.
- Generosity shapes our sense of community by causing us to come to grips with the persistent needs of others all around us.
- Generosity teaches us that what we have is a gift and is to be freely, openly, and liberally shared with others.
We recognize that these are trying times financially for many and our hearts go out to those impacted by the layoffs and furloughs. But as you are able, please continue your support for our church in one of these ways:
- Online at www.whumc.com/donate with a one-time or recurring gift
- Drop off your gifts in our locked mailbox outside the atrium entrance
- Put gifts in the blue box inside the east entrance (near Nutshell) if you have building access or
- Mail a check.
Instead of buying lilies for Easter this year, since there will not be in-person church, please consider donating money to North Dallas Shared Ministries.
Thank you,
John Ozmun
Lay Leader
March 25, 2020
Troubling Times and Fearless Actions
A Perspective by John
Thomas Paine said (Italics are mine):
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot (selfish, inconsiderate people) will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now (self isolates, performs social distancing, helps others), deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny (COVID-19), like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM (Good Health) should not be highly rated.”
Truer words, slightly adapted to our current situation, could not be more true or inspiring. In these fearful times we are called to take fearless action. Fearless action leads to achievement and success. Let’s all take fearless action to be safe, keep others safe, and help others as we can.
WHUMC Fearless Actions
Because we cannot meet as a group in person, we are working fearlessly to keep connected and supportive of each other digitally. We have initiated the following methods of keeping our community together and our spirits raised:
In addition, we are working to establish a comprehensive communication plan using phone trees and postcards to stay connected with every member and visitor. Look for more information on this by next week, and if you are interested in being a part of this very important communication plan, let me, Anna Bundy, or Becki Ozmun know.
We have fearlessly shut down the church with only one or two people checking on it weekly. Very few staff members are present and only when they cannot perform their duties remotely. If you need pastoral care, fearlessly contact Rev. Wally Williams by text or phone: 903-450-7468.
Church Finances
We are in interesting times, yet God is with us. Our greatest concern is that you are safe and healthy - both physically and emotionally.
We have the responsibility to keep you informed on all financial aspects in these interesting times. Here's a quick snapshot of our monthly expenses that continue even though the building is closed:
Total expenses are about $36,500 each month. These expenses are offset by our automated recurring gifts of $11,447 monthly. For those who don't do the math, we are left with about $25,000 difference that is usually received through worship offerings and one-time online gifts. So far, since the shut-down, we've received just over $3,225 in checks and online gifts. Your gifts are vitally important.
Please be consistent and faithful in your giving. Your gifts will continue our virtual ministries and keep us ready for when we can physically be together again. The staff and church leaders are available for you because we care.
Adoption Merger Update
The "due diligence" portfolios have now all been delivered to LLUMC.
Scott Luginbill will send them to his leadership teams and begin setting up virtual meetings to discuss them with us this week. I will inform the appropriate WHUMC team members for the meetings once they are scheduled. Scott expressed growing interest on the LLUMC side for the adoption merger. Getting all the information they requested in a timely, orderly, professional manner has helped shape their confidence in us as a congregation.
I am impressed that both LLUMC and WHUMC are moving forward despite the COVID-19 virus. This is a perilous time for us all, but we will find a way to continue the work that needs to be done.
What is next beyond due diligence reviews? I have asked Scott for two things:
I want to also recognize those who have gone above and beyond in gathering the due diligence information and presenting it in such an organized manner. Lyndel Doran for Creative School; Brent Houston for SPRC; Sheila McLauchlin for Foundation; Patti Martin for both Financial data, Legal documents, and supporting Trustees on finding contracts and other information on the share drives; and a HUGE tip of the hat to Don Moulton for all the work that has gone into gathering the information for Facilities, Operations, and Inventory sections. Don has spent countless hours helping find and organize the information...without his commitment to this process, we would be in a difficult place. Tony Sosebee has also provided help in gathering information.
Separate from the due diligence milestone, Tony and Justin Bauer have been hard at work keeping the wireless network updated and keeping computers and printers functioning. Without their effort, gathering the information would have been near impossible.
In conclusion, "it takes a village" to provide the due diligence information. I am forever thankful for the talented people in this church and all those who are so dedicated to it.
Thank you,
John Ozmun
Lay Leader
A Perspective by John
Thomas Paine said (Italics are mine):
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot (selfish, inconsiderate people) will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now (self isolates, performs social distancing, helps others), deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny (COVID-19), like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM (Good Health) should not be highly rated.”
Truer words, slightly adapted to our current situation, could not be more true or inspiring. In these fearful times we are called to take fearless action. Fearless action leads to achievement and success. Let’s all take fearless action to be safe, keep others safe, and help others as we can.
WHUMC Fearless Actions
Because we cannot meet as a group in person, we are working fearlessly to keep connected and supportive of each other digitally. We have initiated the following methods of keeping our community together and our spirits raised:
- Provided links to Lovers Lane streaming of Sunday services, to which we are specifically invited. In coming weeks, you may start to see a presence of WHUMC staff as part of the services.
- Developed a link for Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 9:30. See the digital church calendar (www.whumc.com/calendar) on how to join this group. Last week, over 30 attended. It is very simple…just click on a link, and presto! you are in attendance. Let’s see if we can get to 40 this week. There is no cost to use the technology called Zoom.
- Created a mid-week “Virtually Wesley” group open to everyone on Tuesdays at 1:00 and 7:00. This will be an open agenda, discussion and sharing based time
- Created an open, online Bible Study on Thursdays at 1:00 and 7:00, led by Jo Biggerstaff. Her discussions are always thoughtful, insightful, and provide hope in these times.
In addition, we are working to establish a comprehensive communication plan using phone trees and postcards to stay connected with every member and visitor. Look for more information on this by next week, and if you are interested in being a part of this very important communication plan, let me, Anna Bundy, or Becki Ozmun know.
We have fearlessly shut down the church with only one or two people checking on it weekly. Very few staff members are present and only when they cannot perform their duties remotely. If you need pastoral care, fearlessly contact Rev. Wally Williams by text or phone: 903-450-7468.
Church Finances
We are in interesting times, yet God is with us. Our greatest concern is that you are safe and healthy - both physically and emotionally.
We have the responsibility to keep you informed on all financial aspects in these interesting times. Here's a quick snapshot of our monthly expenses that continue even though the building is closed:
- $6,404 Fixed monthly contractual expenses
- $25,085 Monthly payroll
- $4,980 Estimated monthly expenses that vary each month including estimated utilities ($3700)
Total expenses are about $36,500 each month. These expenses are offset by our automated recurring gifts of $11,447 monthly. For those who don't do the math, we are left with about $25,000 difference that is usually received through worship offerings and one-time online gifts. So far, since the shut-down, we've received just over $3,225 in checks and online gifts. Your gifts are vitally important.
- You may give at any time at www.whumc.com/donate
- You may use your banking app any time to give to WHUMC. Please use your name as the account number.
- You may drop off a check at the church in the outside locking mailbox under the atrium entrance porte-cochere.
- If you have building access, you may leave gifts in the blue drop box that has been moved from the office suite to inside the east entrance near the Nutshell.
- You may always mail checks, too. We are having some mail delivery issues so anything mailed may be delayed.
Please be consistent and faithful in your giving. Your gifts will continue our virtual ministries and keep us ready for when we can physically be together again. The staff and church leaders are available for you because we care.
Adoption Merger Update
The "due diligence" portfolios have now all been delivered to LLUMC.
Scott Luginbill will send them to his leadership teams and begin setting up virtual meetings to discuss them with us this week. I will inform the appropriate WHUMC team members for the meetings once they are scheduled. Scott expressed growing interest on the LLUMC side for the adoption merger. Getting all the information they requested in a timely, orderly, professional manner has helped shape their confidence in us as a congregation.
I am impressed that both LLUMC and WHUMC are moving forward despite the COVID-19 virus. This is a perilous time for us all, but we will find a way to continue the work that needs to be done.
What is next beyond due diligence reviews? I have asked Scott for two things:
- Developing a strategic approach to communicating to both congregations prior to asking the congregations to take a vote. He of course wants to get past the due diligence reviews before focusing too much on this. Now that we cannot have in-person "town halls" it is more important than ever to find a way to deliver these information sessions using technology. Defining the content and how it is presented is also part of my ask of him.
- Responding to my request for selected financial information and other information that has been requested by folks at WHUMC. He has the request in the queue and will deliver once the due diligence review is over.
I want to also recognize those who have gone above and beyond in gathering the due diligence information and presenting it in such an organized manner. Lyndel Doran for Creative School; Brent Houston for SPRC; Sheila McLauchlin for Foundation; Patti Martin for both Financial data, Legal documents, and supporting Trustees on finding contracts and other information on the share drives; and a HUGE tip of the hat to Don Moulton for all the work that has gone into gathering the information for Facilities, Operations, and Inventory sections. Don has spent countless hours helping find and organize the information...without his commitment to this process, we would be in a difficult place. Tony Sosebee has also provided help in gathering information.
Separate from the due diligence milestone, Tony and Justin Bauer have been hard at work keeping the wireless network updated and keeping computers and printers functioning. Without their effort, gathering the information would have been near impossible.
In conclusion, "it takes a village" to provide the due diligence information. I am forever thankful for the talented people in this church and all those who are so dedicated to it.
Thank you,
John Ozmun
Lay Leader
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
What's More Important Than Toilet Paper?
For the last week, every time I read a newspaper article or listened to a TV or radio news broadcast, the lead topic was the hoarding of toilet paper. It must be super important because people were buying every package in sight! In time of crisis, is that really the most important thing in a person’s life?
Well, I am not a very philosophical person, so I will let others lead that discussion. But in these times of uncertainty, people grasp on to things that are not easily replaced (what exactly is the substitute for TP?). The thing that comes to my mind is the need to remain close to family and friends. But with the CDC and others asking all of us to stay away from each other, we are faced with a dilemma. How can we remain close when we are supposed to remain apart???
AS of this writing (3/17), it is not totally clear exactly how long WHUMC and other churches will not hold services in their churches. However, rather than focus on trying to pick a specific date to resume “normal” worship, in a time of great uncertainty, your church staff and laity are working in concert with Lovers Lane UMC to bring you opportunities to be in community with others, without exposing yourself to COVID-19 virus.
We will use several methods of bringing people together over the next few weeks (including Easter):
We will set up a “We Care Hotline” (903-450-7468) for people with pastoral care needs or concerns that will go directly to Wally Williams, our Senior Minister.
Look for details on these opportunities in Anna’s “From the Desk of the Intern” coming later this week.
So, which more important, TP or relationships? Well, you need both quite honestly. One for the body, one for the spirit and mind. We will do all we can to give you an abundance of the latter…you are on your own for TP.
Adoption Merger Update
As mentioned in previous editions of Church Chatter, we are in a period of “due diligence”. Despite the virus concerns, several important functional areas have been completed and turned over to LLUMC. Creative School, SPRC, and Foundation have completed their assignments. Legal, Facilities, Operations, and Finance are scheduled for the week of 3/22. These latter sections will be covered using ZOOM technology where there will be no face-to-face meetings.
So despite the virus, we will continue to move forward with this stage of the adoption merger. Both sides are working diligently to complete this. More important LLUMC is working cooperatively with us during this time to help support our efforts to remain in community through their streaming of services and other assistance.
Restoration
Nearly all the exterior work is completed, except for the steeple and any repair on the stained-glass windows that will be covered by insurance. Both items are still being worked. Every effort is being made to get the doors back on the Parlor and furniture ordered so that Parlor can once again be used as a classroom.
Help us help you and our neighbors by faithfully keeping current on your pledges. We need them now more than ever.
Thank you,
John Ozmun
Lay Leader
For the last week, every time I read a newspaper article or listened to a TV or radio news broadcast, the lead topic was the hoarding of toilet paper. It must be super important because people were buying every package in sight! In time of crisis, is that really the most important thing in a person’s life?
Well, I am not a very philosophical person, so I will let others lead that discussion. But in these times of uncertainty, people grasp on to things that are not easily replaced (what exactly is the substitute for TP?). The thing that comes to my mind is the need to remain close to family and friends. But with the CDC and others asking all of us to stay away from each other, we are faced with a dilemma. How can we remain close when we are supposed to remain apart???
AS of this writing (3/17), it is not totally clear exactly how long WHUMC and other churches will not hold services in their churches. However, rather than focus on trying to pick a specific date to resume “normal” worship, in a time of great uncertainty, your church staff and laity are working in concert with Lovers Lane UMC to bring you opportunities to be in community with others, without exposing yourself to COVID-19 virus.
We will use several methods of bringing people together over the next few weeks (including Easter):
- We can all stream Lovers Lane worship services live on an electronic device of your choice by going to their website and selecting a “Live Streaming” service that meets your needs on Sunday
- Lovers Lane will evaluate incorporating some clergy and staff from WHUMC into their services
- WHUMC will begin using ZOOM, a meeting application that can be downloaded to your electronic device. Think of this as a visual conference call.
- Sunday School classes will be held using this tool
- Short Bible studies will be offered during the week
- Small groups will be offered called “Virtual Wesley” where people can have all the benefits of a small group environment without the physical contact.
We will set up a “We Care Hotline” (903-450-7468) for people with pastoral care needs or concerns that will go directly to Wally Williams, our Senior Minister.
Look for details on these opportunities in Anna’s “From the Desk of the Intern” coming later this week.
So, which more important, TP or relationships? Well, you need both quite honestly. One for the body, one for the spirit and mind. We will do all we can to give you an abundance of the latter…you are on your own for TP.
Adoption Merger Update
As mentioned in previous editions of Church Chatter, we are in a period of “due diligence”. Despite the virus concerns, several important functional areas have been completed and turned over to LLUMC. Creative School, SPRC, and Foundation have completed their assignments. Legal, Facilities, Operations, and Finance are scheduled for the week of 3/22. These latter sections will be covered using ZOOM technology where there will be no face-to-face meetings.
So despite the virus, we will continue to move forward with this stage of the adoption merger. Both sides are working diligently to complete this. More important LLUMC is working cooperatively with us during this time to help support our efforts to remain in community through their streaming of services and other assistance.
Restoration
Nearly all the exterior work is completed, except for the steeple and any repair on the stained-glass windows that will be covered by insurance. Both items are still being worked. Every effort is being made to get the doors back on the Parlor and furniture ordered so that Parlor can once again be used as a classroom.
Help us help you and our neighbors by faithfully keeping current on your pledges. We need them now more than ever.
Thank you,
John Ozmun
Lay Leader
Friday, March 13, 2020
Suspending Church Services
All of you are likely aware of the seriousness of the coronavirus, COVID-19, which is impacting all aspects of our usual, daily lives. Over the last 24 hours, the city and county of Dallas have issued emergency actions to help stop the spread of the virus, calling on all organizations to suspend gatherings of 250 or more. Bishop McKee of the North Texas Conference has also requested that all churches in the Metro District cancel services for the next few weeks. In the spirit of complying with those actions, we will suspend church services at Walnut Hill until April 4. Services will start again on April 5.
We are not the only church in the conference to make this decision. Highland Park, First Richardson, FUMC, Munger Place, and Lovers Lane have all suspended services for several weeks.
Precautions, Not Fear
It is natural to want to be in community with our fellow members, so this is difficult for each of us. But let’s not be fearful, but act in a positive way to help contain and minimize the impact of this virus on our community. Staying home will make a difference by not contracting or spreading the virus. By not getting sick, we lessen the strain on hospitals, and by not gathering in crowds we are actually loving our neighbors. As one report from the city said, “We have enough beds for those getting sick, as long as we are not using them all at the same time.”
Worship Alternatives
You can still have worship experience on Sunday. We have been invited to join Lovers Lane services which will have their services live streamed on your computer. Simply go to www.llumc.org/live and pick from one of four services. Traditional Worship is at 8:15 am or 11 am or Modern Worship at 9:30 am or 10:50 am.
Also, we would like to offer online programming, such as a Bible study during the week. You would simply click on a link to be involved in the meeting, and then the recording would be uploaded to the website and our Facebook page. If this is something you would be interested in, please respond to this email or email Anna at abundy@whumc.com.
As your pastoral intern, my concern is that we experience worship through live stream, but also stay connected as a spiritual community. If there is a way that we can offer this to you, please email me (Anna) or respond to this email with those ideas as well!
Financial Stewardship
Besides asking for your understanding and support of our actions, I ask that you faithfully continue to support the church with your gifts and offerings. The expenses of the church will continue so it is necessary to ask for your continued support financially. You may pay online, mail your check to 10066 Marsh Lane, Dallas, 75229, or actually drive by the church and deposit it in the black mailbox under the canopy on Sunday morning. (It is locked for safe keeping).
Visit our website, www.whumc.com/donate, to find more ways to give. Your financial support for our operating expenses and Lenten offering are more important than ever during this time! Although we may not be meeting for worship, we will continue to pay staff, utilities, and upkeep around the church so that when we begin meeting again, we will do so seamlessly!
More Information to Come…
During the coming days, we will update you on other details. Please call your church friends and family to check in on them, let them know about our updates, and continue in Christian community. As always, Rev. Wally will be available for pastoral care (wwilliams@whumc.com) as will Anna (abundy@whumc.com). We are here to serve you in whatever capacity we can at this time.
Let us always remember that God is always with us, in every season, and we need not fear. One of Anna’s favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians, that says, “I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in Christ, will know the height and width, breadth and depth, of the love of God.” Even though we may be separated right now, our community will stay connected through the love of God and neighbor.
Please continue to watch your emails this week!
Gratefully,
John Ozmun, Lay Leader
Anna Bundy, Ministry Intern
All of you are likely aware of the seriousness of the coronavirus, COVID-19, which is impacting all aspects of our usual, daily lives. Over the last 24 hours, the city and county of Dallas have issued emergency actions to help stop the spread of the virus, calling on all organizations to suspend gatherings of 250 or more. Bishop McKee of the North Texas Conference has also requested that all churches in the Metro District cancel services for the next few weeks. In the spirit of complying with those actions, we will suspend church services at Walnut Hill until April 4. Services will start again on April 5.
We are not the only church in the conference to make this decision. Highland Park, First Richardson, FUMC, Munger Place, and Lovers Lane have all suspended services for several weeks.
Precautions, Not Fear
It is natural to want to be in community with our fellow members, so this is difficult for each of us. But let’s not be fearful, but act in a positive way to help contain and minimize the impact of this virus on our community. Staying home will make a difference by not contracting or spreading the virus. By not getting sick, we lessen the strain on hospitals, and by not gathering in crowds we are actually loving our neighbors. As one report from the city said, “We have enough beds for those getting sick, as long as we are not using them all at the same time.”
Worship Alternatives
You can still have worship experience on Sunday. We have been invited to join Lovers Lane services which will have their services live streamed on your computer. Simply go to www.llumc.org/live and pick from one of four services. Traditional Worship is at 8:15 am or 11 am or Modern Worship at 9:30 am or 10:50 am.
Also, we would like to offer online programming, such as a Bible study during the week. You would simply click on a link to be involved in the meeting, and then the recording would be uploaded to the website and our Facebook page. If this is something you would be interested in, please respond to this email or email Anna at abundy@whumc.com.
As your pastoral intern, my concern is that we experience worship through live stream, but also stay connected as a spiritual community. If there is a way that we can offer this to you, please email me (Anna) or respond to this email with those ideas as well!
Financial Stewardship
Besides asking for your understanding and support of our actions, I ask that you faithfully continue to support the church with your gifts and offerings. The expenses of the church will continue so it is necessary to ask for your continued support financially. You may pay online, mail your check to 10066 Marsh Lane, Dallas, 75229, or actually drive by the church and deposit it in the black mailbox under the canopy on Sunday morning. (It is locked for safe keeping).
Visit our website, www.whumc.com/donate, to find more ways to give. Your financial support for our operating expenses and Lenten offering are more important than ever during this time! Although we may not be meeting for worship, we will continue to pay staff, utilities, and upkeep around the church so that when we begin meeting again, we will do so seamlessly!
More Information to Come…
During the coming days, we will update you on other details. Please call your church friends and family to check in on them, let them know about our updates, and continue in Christian community. As always, Rev. Wally will be available for pastoral care (wwilliams@whumc.com) as will Anna (abundy@whumc.com). We are here to serve you in whatever capacity we can at this time.
Let us always remember that God is always with us, in every season, and we need not fear. One of Anna’s favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians, that says, “I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in Christ, will know the height and width, breadth and depth, of the love of God.” Even though we may be separated right now, our community will stay connected through the love of God and neighbor.
Please continue to watch your emails this week!
Gratefully,
John Ozmun, Lay Leader
Anna Bundy, Ministry Intern