Dear Keller UMC Family,
It is a cliché to say it, but “how about this weather?!” From the ice-mageddon to the flash flooding to the hail, local weather this year is notable. One of the great things about talking about the weather is that it is a collective experience. Everyone in the area experiences the same weather at the same time and we all live with the fallout after the clouds roll away. This is the case for your home and for KUMC. And so, let us share a quick update about how the KUMC facilities have fared since the last significant weather event - the hailstorm.
The hailstorm did a number on the roofs of all the buildings on the church campus. The insurance of the church is up to date and provides very good coverage. While this is still being assessed, there are strong indications that all of the roofs will need repair, if not complete replacement. Joey Gillaspy, the KUMC Director of Facilities, is working closely with the Trustees to ensure this work is addressed and complete. As of right now, the Trustees are assigning a small task force to take the lead moving forward. While this is still very much in process there are some details we are able to communicate.
Our insurance company, Berkley, assigned an independent adjuster, Mason Gates, to our claim and Mr. Gates inspected the church grounds on Friday, May 7. Due to the size of the claim, a senior adjuster from Minnesota was assigned to our claim, Scott May. Mr. May inspected the church property on Tuesday, May 18. On June 1, independent adjusters assigned to us by Berkley, had their expert roof, HVAC and estimators out to write their estimates. Currently KUMC is waiting for the estimates to be approved. However, Mr. May has approved the release of $250,000 to begin repairs. The Finance Team is working to establish a designed line so that we can deduct repair expenses from this designated line as the work is completed.
Like any insurance claim, the church has a deductible. This deductible is based upon the total value of the property and building and so it is rather high. Because of the nature of this claim, it triggered the “Buyback Wind and Hail” policy. This “Buyback” policy helps KUMC cover the deductible. What this means is that KUMC will need to pay about $25,000 toward the deductible. This is not a small amount of money, but because of the faithfulness of all of our giving, the good stewardship of staff, and the cash flow management strategy adopted by the Finance team, KUMC will be able to meet this cost with minimal difficulties!
We are so very proud of KUMC’s generosity, of the work of the Trustees and Finance committee, of Joey Gillaspy and Melanie Grice's management and administration. If any part of this body were to not function, then the body of KUMC would stumble. This is one example of how the entire body of KUMC beats together with one heart of Christ to accomplish ministries and tasks. Even those ministries and tasks that are unforeseen - just like the weather.
Worship this Sunday, June 13
We invite you to worship this Sunday, June 13, as we continue to live into the new KUMC vision statement: Hearts Turning to God and Neighbor. This Sunday, Dan Hernadez will be leading in worship and we look forward to introducing him to you as the new Director of Congregational Care. We hope that you’ll join us for worship, online or in-person!
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Grace and peace,
