"The DUMC CIRCUIT WRITER"
Dallas United Methodist Church
565 SE LaCreole Drive, Dallas OR 97338 - 503-623-2481
Pastor Rebecca Patterson - 423-779-6587
EARTH DAY
Two (2) Ways to Worship on Sunday, April 25, 2021


LIVE ZOOM Worship Service (click the word ZOOM)
Meeting ID: 898 6981 3567
Passcode: 812240
One tap mobile
Using your home phone - DIAL -- 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 898 6981 3567
(listen for telephone instructions)
1 John 3: 16 - 24
John 10: 11 - 18
"Who is my friend?"
THIS SUNDAY APRIL 25
Grab a cup of coffee and get to visit with some folks you might not have seen for a while!
DIAL-UP
WORSHIP SERVICE

The ability to use your phone to listen to worship is available!
Please call - 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID - 898-6981-3567 Password - 812 240
Follow the directions to listen! Share with your friends and family who are not internet connected!
WHAT'S GOIN' ON THIS WEEK AT DUMC
SUNDAY - April 25
11:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship Service via ZOOM
12 noon - Coffee Hour via ZOOM

TUESDAY - April 27
4:30 p.m. - Communications Meeting via ZOOM
5:30 p.m. - Ad Council Meeting via ZOOM

WEDNESDAY - April 28
2:30 p.m. - Church Yard Work

THURSDAY - April 29
4:30 p.m. - James2 Drive-thru Community Meal

SUNDAY - May 2
11:00 a.m. - Communion Worship Service via ZOOM
12 noon - Coffee Hour via ZOOM
CHURCH YARD WORK CREW
WEDNESDAY
2:30 p.m.
APRIL 28
Thank you to all who have come out and worked on the church yard the last 3 weeks, and hope you'll be able to join again on Wednesday, April 28 for another day of work, conversation and coffee! It is good to see everyone and who knows, one of these days maybe we'll be able to gather in church as well!
Some really good progress has been made in cleaning up the spots where were damaged by the water pipe work, by filling the holes, moving the rocks, and removing the gravel on the
surface. There are still areas to
scatted grass seed and hopefully grow a little more grass. There are still weeds to pull, but things are looking much better; the azaleas will soon be blooming beautifully and hopefully the reminder of the yard will look as good as they do.

Thanks to Jean Rogers for organizing the "church yard crew" - you all are amazing!
Please contact Jean Rogers, 971-600-5205, with questions or concerns.
ZOOM PUB THEOLOGY
Pub Theology is "ON HOLD" for now - Please let the church office or Pastor Rebecca know if you are interested in joining in this group so we can put your name on the email list and the ZOOM list. All are welcome!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO TAKE THIS SURVEY
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
CAUTION - ONCE YOU CLICK ON THE SURVEY YOU CAN'T GO BACK AND RESPOND LATER - BE PREPARED TO ANSWER
We are beginning to plan and look ahead to when we can possibly begin to have in-person worship services again and also when we might be able to open the church building. Most important, even after we are able to have in-person worship services we know there may be several who will continue with on-line worship.
Please help us by taking a short survey telling us about your worship participation with Dallas United Methodist Church this past year. Thank you!
PARTICIPATE IN WORSHIP SERVICES
Would you like to participate with others in our Sunday Worship Service? We are looking for anyone who is interested to please contact the church office and let them know of your interest.
It could be reading a scripture, prayer or recording of your favorite hymn - there are all kinds of ways to take part in worship.
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING VIA ZOOM
Tuesday, April 27, 5:30 p.m.
Contact Dean Deters, Ad Council Chair, for the ZOOM link if you would like
to attend this meeting.
$OLLARS & CENTS
by Pat Gillespie
March's income was better than the last wo months and expenses were about the same. The monthly loss was less than January's and February's. Most of the 2020 General Fund cash excess has been used.
We have passed the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 lockdown and we want to say "thanks be to God" for your faithful contributions. You have been generous during a time when you could have hunkered down and looked inward.
But, all is not bright, as you might imagine. COVID-19 has had an impact on our church and its finances:

  • Without in-person worship there is no "passing of the offering plate" and thus no loose offering that we have come to rely on in the past.

  • The COVID-19 relief act has provided money for businesses whose income was reduced during the shut-down. However, churches, understandably, did not receive any relief.

  • There has been some drop off in General Giving - it's hard to determine the cause: COVID Fatigue? the Ice Storm in February? Health reasons? Other?

The work of Dallas UMC continues! Please remember to give your tithes, gifts, and offerings to keep vital ministries going. If you have been distracted and have forgotten to give - no worries!
Keep Dallas UMC in mind if you do not need all of your relief payment monies.
We welcome you to mail your check to the address below or make your donation at umcdallas.wixsite.com/dallas-umc/support-us
Dallas United Methodist Church
565 SE LaCreole Drive
Dallas OR 97338

"Not, how much of my money will I give to God, but how much of God's money will I keep for myself." John Wesley
If you have questions or comments please email Pat Gillespie at trinity_pag@msn.com
A PASTORAL UPDATE ON OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE FROM THE BISHOP
Dear Siblings in Christ,
 
We are making progress, but we are not quite there yet. It has been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we knew it. We continue to persevere, exhausted at times, yet anticipating the day when we can gather, greet each other, share communion and other precious rhythms of life and spiritual practice in person without risking harm to one another. Hopeful also that we now carry with us new learnings and practices, hard lessons of necessity that will continue to connect us in new ways in life and ministry.
  
The rapid vaccine rollout gives us hope that we can enjoy more freedom to gather as families and faith communities soon. Vaccinations coupled with continuous strict adherence to safety protocols are expected to lower infection rates, hospitalizations and COVID-19 related deaths. Overall, we have seen the number of cases decline since the winter peak in many places, but progress has been stalled by premature re-openings, the easing of restrictions in some places, resistance by some to being vaccinated and observing simple safety practices: washing hands, social distancing, wearing a mask. I hope that each of us is continuing to follow these practices, as well as being vaccinated, consistent with medical advice, as soon as we are eligible.
  
I was surprised by the deep joy that welled up in me when those shots went in my arm, protecting not only me but also everyone I encounter from the dangers of this virus. I’m grateful to every person who is able and willing to join this movement toward health and safety.
   
As Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reminded us in a briefing earlier this year,
  
“We may be done with the virus, but clearly the virus is not done with us. We cannot get comfortable or give in to a false sense of security that the worst of the pandemic is behind us – not now; not when mass vaccination is so very close.”
 
Permissible not Necessarily Beneficial 
In an article for The Atlantic, Dr. James Hamblin of the Yale School of Public Health points out,
  
“Our social lives can resume, but only when the whole community is ready. The turning point does not arrive for individuals, one by one, as soon as they’ve been vaccinated; it comes for all of us at once, when a population becomes immune.”
 
With this understanding, we are advised that the number of coronavirus cases needs to decrease further before we resume regular activities, especially in light of the arrival of new fast-spreading variants of the virus. A premature reopening, even if allowed by the state, may run the risk of not just stalling but even reversing the recent progress we have already achieved.
  
I am reminded of Saint Paul’s admonition that things that are “permissible” are not necessarily things that are “beneficial” to the common good. (I Corinthians 10:23).
  
While we should celebrate the good news of vaccines providing a layer of protection already for a significant number of members in some of our congregations, the church does not belong solely to those who are vaccinated. Especially as we have just now reached a time when all adults are eligible to receive a vaccine, we must continue to be patient to allow them the privilege of receiving this gift of security before we consider letting our guard down. At the same time, we will need to find ways to protect and include children in church life while continuing to wait for vaccination eligibility to be extended to them.
 
As the church, God calls us always to do things that are beneficial because we bear responsibility towards the well-being of others, especially the most vulnerable among us.
  
A Posture of Hopeful Caution
 
The progress we see in vaccinations, tempered by the potential threat of variants we race, leads me toward a posture of hopeful caution; we are almost there but not quite there yet. Even as our hope is renewed with the increasing percentage of those vaccinated, our decisions and actions must continue to manifest the utmost concern for one another as an act of love in response to Jesus’ command for us to love one another as he had loved us (John 13:34).
 
Accordingly, I am asking churches to remain vigilant in their planning and decision-making processes. The COVID-19 Response Team, made up of lay and clergy members from across the area, is continuing to review and amend its guidance to local churches. By May 5th, we will release updated guidelines for Phase 3, shifting more responsibility to local leaders to guide their congregation’s, camp’s or other ministry setting’s COVID-19 response.
  
I am grateful for each of you and your faithfulness and commitment, especially during this long time of physical separation due to this pandemic. May the hard lessons learned as we have persevered, and new skills developed as you have adapted, empower our work together and witness to God’s love which never fails us.
 
“Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
 
With love and grace, 

Elaine JW Stanovsky 
Bishop, Greater Northwest Episcopal Area
 
Offered in consultation with the COVID-19 Response Team, as currently composed:

  • Rev. Alyssa Baker, pastor, Open Door Churches of Salem-Keizer, OR-ID Conference 
  • Laurie Day, OR-ID Conference Director of Connectional Ministries 
  • Rev. Jim Doepken, pastor, Moose Pass & Seward Memorial UMCs, Alaska Conference 
  • Rev. Mark Galang, Puget Sound District Superintendent, PNW Conference 
  • Rhondalei Gabuat, Executive Assistant for Bishop Stanovsky Greater Northwest Episcopal Area  
  • Rev. Karen Hernandez, Sage District Superintendent, OR-ID Conference 
  • Rev. Pat Longstroth, pastor, Bremerton UMC, PNW Conference 
  • Becky Platt, lay member, Boise (ID): Whitney UMC, OR-ID Conference 
  • Patrick Scriven, PNW Conference Director of Communications 
  • Jim Truitt, lay member, Renton (WA): Fairwood Community UMC, PNW Conference 
You Must Wear A Face Mask 
When You Are In The Church Building
If you must enter Dallas United Methodist Church building you will need to enter on the northside of the building at the entrance to the Education Wing. There is a sign-in and sign-out sheet for each person that enters the building to sign. The Education Wing remains closed to all at this time. Please be considerate of all and keep your entrance into the building at a minimum. The church office doors have been re-keyed for the safety of our staff. Thank you all for following the guidelines for Phase 2 that have been approved by the DS.
THE LATEST
Information on COVID vaccines and the church


Level 2.1 allows gatherings of up to 25 people if the county in which the church is located is in a "slow growth" risk level or "on track to control the virus" risk level according to the parameters at CovidActNow - a nation-wide compiler of data which provides a consistent measuring stick across our whole area. Not many counties in our district qualified for this last November, but with the availability of vaccines this winter, the risk in some of our counties is going down.

For the details on this gathering opportunity, and how to find out whether your church qualifies to apply for this status, see the full document by clicking here. 

In addition to your county being at an acceptable level of risk, you must already have an approved Phase 2 plan and submit a 2.1 proposal to DS Wendy Woodworth at wendy@umoi.org for approval of this stage.

Last week, a new document was released with guidelines for gatherings for more people (outside), for singing (outside) and for multiple events in a day (inside).  You can see that guidance by clicking here.
3 Stan Reimer
10 Patty Ragsdale
13 Jean Rogers
13 Jan Perry
13 Pastor Rebecca Patterson
15 Phyllis Wood
17 Quenton Ihne
20 Melia Deters
20 Karen Hays
26 Ethan Weld
6 Connie & Dean Sedivy
11 Mary Lou & Lloyd Lefors
28 Susan Michael
30 Rev. Steve Mitchell
PAINT OREGON BLUE
APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
Picture is taken from in front of Oregon State Capital Building in Salem Oregon
Those who are grieving: For the families and friends of all those who were harmed by violence this past week; for the more than 571,246 in the United States who have lost their life to the COVID-19 coronavirus especially for the more than 2,477 in Oregon who have died and especially for the families and friends in our city Dallas and Polk and Marion counties.

Health Concerns: For Paul McWilliams; for LaVonne Wilson; for all those who have received their 2nd COVID-19 vaccine and may be experiencing some short term side effects; for all who are trying to get appointments for COVID-19 vaccine; for all who have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus; for Mary Gaither; for Roy Miller; for those on hospice care; and for all those fighting cancer; for family and friends providing love, support and advocacy for people with COVID-19 coronavirus, cancer and any other illness.

Thanksgiving and Joy: For Susan Michael and Rev. Steve Mitchell as they celebrate their birthdays this week - Happy Birthday from your church family! For the James2 Community Kitchen crews who work tirelessly each week serving several hundred hungry folks - thank you!
Others to Keep in Prayer: For the State of Oregon as we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 infections, especially for Polk and Marion counties; for the ongoing rioting & protests in the City of Portland; for the homeless and those seeking shelter; for equality and justice for all; for those Oregon citizens who have already received their first and second COVID-19 vaccination; for all those who are still waiting to receive their vaccine; we continue to pray for all healthcare workers, all medical professionals, all 1st responders and caregivers; for healing and hope; for our leaders to have wisdom and compassion as they continue to work toward compromises to help the people of the United States; for the State of Oregon and especially the City of Dallas and our community leaders.

Our Churches & District: For Tualatin UMC and Pastor Amy and Tim Overton-Harris and Lay Leader Rachel Elliot; for Pastor Kalina Malua Katoa of Open Door Churches Salem-Keizer and her husband Sione Halafuka Katoa, who is very ill; for all pastors, leaders and personnel in the Cascadia District and the Oregon-Idaho Conference Office.

World Prayer: For our earth and all the things we take for granted; for continued prayers for India where the COVID-19 vaccine is in short supply; for the world as it struggles with ongoing violence; for all people around the world who are impacted by COVID-19 and the new variant strains that are appearing; and always for worldwide PEACE and for those who work for peace.
A group of traditionalists committed to leaving The United Methodist Church has chosen "Global Methodist Church" as the name for the denomination they are planning to form. They also unveiled this logo. Logo courtesy of the Global Methodist Church.
UPCOMING EVENTS and OTHER ITEMS INTEREST

If you know a youth who is a member of a local UMC in Cascadia District, between the ages of 12 and 18, who would both benefit from this experience and benefit the other membership, please contact the District Office at cascadia@umoi.org 
INTERFAITH
ADVOCACY DAY
Tuesday - May 25
 
There is strength in knowledge and strength in numbers! Join with others from around Oregon at the first-ever virtual Interfaith Advocacy Day on May 25, 10 am to noon.
 
Virtually attend issue briefings and workshops on advocating for compassionate legislation on issues such as housing, hunger, health care, immigration, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform and climate justice. Following the briefings, we will make our faith voice heard in virtual meetings with state legislators. Group leaders will provide talking points and make all necessary appointments for you. Together, we can build a just, inclusive and hope-filled future for all Oregonians.

(I'm having trouble with EMO's website today, 4/22. Hopefully they will get it fixed, but if you also have trouble, try calling them at (503) 221-1054 M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - lgc)
Scholarship for
Health Ministry Careers

Thanks to the generous gift given by the Wirth family and the Northwest United Methodist Foundation, the Health Ministry Team at Bend Church-United Methodist is pleased to announce the offering of one-time $1000 Scholarships for education in health-related fields. The criteria for consideration are as follows:
 
  1. Must be accepted into an accredited health-related academic program*
  2. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on most recent grade transcript
 
Applicants who meet criteria are to provide an application completed in full, two references, and a copy of the most recent grade transcript.* The Health Ministry team will then conduct a Zoom interview. Upon award of scholarship, candidates will be expected to participate in regular check-in conversations for one academic year with the Health Ministry Team (one time per semester or quarter) for support. Applications are due by July 15th 2021.
Applications can be found at BendUMC.org under the Health Ministry Tab and may be submitted via email or mailed to:
Bend Church
? Rev Nicole Berry
680 NW Bond St
Bend, OR 97703
For questions contact: Sandy Clausen, Health Ministry Chair (clausen.sandy@gmail.com) or Rev Nicole Berry, Associate Pastor (nicole.berry@gmail.com).
*We acknowledge that it may be difficult during COVID-19 restrictions to obtain academic transcripts. As an alternative, applicants may designate one of their references as an academic reference.
*Some examples of health related fields include but are not limited to: Nursing, CNA, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Mental Health services.
(click on either one)
ALASKA, OREGON-IDAHO, PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCES
Virtual Conference - June 20 - 24, 2021
MENU FOR NEXT WEEK
April 29
Marinara chicken pasta, chopped green salad, dessert
DALLAS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
565 SE LaCreole Drive
Dallas OR 97338
503-623-2481