Dear HPUMC Family & Friends,

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has raised questions in every community, including ours. While we are fortunate that Dallas has yet to experience a recorded case of the virus, I want to take a minute and remind everyone that care for our congregation in all respects, including their physical well-being, is the top priority. In light of the public concerns about the virus, please note some prudent measures we are taking to ensure that worship is safe and comfortable.

• We will remain in continual communication with Dallas County and Texas State Health Officials. We are also monitoring the status of the virus and following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
• We will be well-supplied with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes throughout the church.
• Our amazing staff will be doubling down on cleaning efforts to sanitize highly touched surface areas throughout the day.
• Instead of passing an offering plate during worship, we will have baskets near the exits where people can place their offering (giving online is always an option as well).
• You will see more doors opened throughout the building, so you won’t have to pull on as many handles.
• We will forego shaking hands and passing the peace in the Welcome or Choral Benediction portions of our services. Friendly waves will be just fine.
• Out of an abundance of caution, we are suspending international service trips through June. We will re-evaluate as the situation improves.

Here’s what you can do to help:

• If you or a family member are sick, please stay home (you can always watch our services online).
• If you’re not sick, come to church. In times of community fear and anxiety, I think coming together as the church is more important than ever.
• Pray. It’s not a cliché. It’s a clarion call to do what we do as people of faith. For thousands of years, the local church has been the bedrock of support for communities grappling with fear about public disease. That starts with prayer: for the cessation of the spread of the virus; individuals and caregivers directly impacted by the illness: and all of us as we remember that God is our refuge and strength, and our ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46).
• Act. We embrace service and preparation alongside our prayer. As always, HPUMC will seek out ways to help those in need, from making our own worship environments safe to funding medical solutions to caring for those in need. It’s who we are as the people of HPUMC.

We will continue to assess and share information in a timely manner. Thank you for being the church that you are.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Paul L. Rasmussen
Senior Minister