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News and Words of Faith for the Members, Families, and Friends of Grace UMC
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Monday, June 1, 2020
Grace Notes Newsletter June 2020
Hello! What follows is some important information and
communications from us, and the greater United Methodist Church. Have a
coffee or sweet tea and read the June Grace Notes:
Healthy Church Team sets to work
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our conference has asked each church to create a Healthy
Church Team to work on opening the church again for worship. Bishop Sharma Lewis
and her cabinet will determine a specific time when we can return to worship,
but this new team is to prepare and make it's own determination as to when it
would be best to return to worship.
Our Healthy Church Team members are Charlie and Lisa Higgs,
Clay and Lisa Knick, Randy and Sherry Jenkins, Carolyn Bell, Jody Osborne,
Betsy Jenkins, and Katie Fauver. Each member was asked to read the handbook
created by our conference that each church must use to prepare to return to
worship in person. The current handbook has 77 pages.
After reading the handbook and the many understandable restrictions
placed on returning to in person worship the team decided it would be in
everyone's best interest to wait until we can worship in a way rather similar
to what we are familiar with. Of course, we have no idea when this may take
place. This decision is also based on the risks involved with exposure to the
virus. The information provided by our own Katie Fauver, an RN at Winchester
Medical Center, was very helpful in making this decision.
This decision is also made out of love of neighbor and
the utmost concern for so many. We want to "do no harm" to anyone.
The Healthy Church Team will meet again July 8th.
Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the team
if you have questions. Remember you can always see the weekly sermon on
Facebook and Robin will add it to the blog each week.
We miss all of you so very much.
Grace + peace,
Clay+
___
Pastor Clay recommends the following by Michael Gorman of St.
Mary's Seminary & University, Baltimore, Maryland, the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and
Theology, September 1991 to present.
A
Brief Biblical Theology for the Covid Church, in Outline (a work
in progress, updated 5/25)
Governing Principles in Putting This
Together
A. Covid is possibly here to stay for years, not months, coming and going in waves.
B. The church is, in Tom Wright’s words, in a time of exile—though not total and not the same everywhere (https://time.com/…/should-churches-reopen-thinking-about-…/…).
C. This is not a time to “completely rethink” the church (as if that were actually a possibility) or to offer theologically flawed proposals (such as “maybe we don’t need to worship together after all”). Rather, the watchword (actually, watch-phrase) right now needs to be “creative fidelity.”
D. At the same time, this will be a time of creative tension, perhaps even among these biblical perspectives.
A. Covid is possibly here to stay for years, not months, coming and going in waves.
B. The church is, in Tom Wright’s words, in a time of exile—though not total and not the same everywhere (https://time.com/…/should-churches-reopen-thinking-about-…/…).
C. This is not a time to “completely rethink” the church (as if that were actually a possibility) or to offer theologically flawed proposals (such as “maybe we don’t need to worship together after all”). Rather, the watchword (actually, watch-phrase) right now needs to be “creative fidelity.”
D. At the same time, this will be a time of creative tension, perhaps even among these biblical perspectives.
1. *Let us love the Lord our God... and
our neighbor as ourselves (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28–31).*
The double commandment remains the same. Its expression will take on new forms.
2. *Let us not forsake the assembling
of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25).* Meeting together is not an option for
Christians, but a necessity. We need to meet in creative ways until, once
again, we can give full expression to the incarnational character of the faith.
We need to keep finding creative ways for worship, study, pastoral care, and
mission. *Update*: We should remember that Jesus is present with us even when
we are just gathered as two or three.
3. *Let us not, by asserting our
rights, real or alleged, do harm to those for whom Christ died (1 Corinthians
8).* This is not the season for Christians and churches to insist on their
rights, constitutional or otherwise, to meet physically precisely as we used to
do, or at any cost. Caution, prudence, and creativity are signs of
neighbor-love.
4. *Let us proclaim the gospel in word
and deed, for it is God who is at work among us (Philippians 1:27–2:16).* It is
a time to do so without complaining about our predicament, as good witnesses.
5. *Let us seek the welfare of the city
where we are in exile (Jeremiah 29:7).* This is a season to think creatively about
the church’s outreach into whatever place we find ourselves in exile, not
because the government or the culture deems us “essential” (or not), but
because that is what God expects of the people of God in exile.
6. *Let us grieve and lament (Psalms;
Romans 12:15).* This is a season of sorrow and lamentation because there has
been so much loss for so many. We acknowledge our own spiritual losses (of
in-person worship, etc.), but we especially wish to cry out with and for those
among us who have lost jobs or loved ones, those who have sacrificed for others
and been emotionally or physically devastated, and those whose present and future
lives seem so uncertain.
7. *Let us bear one another’s burdens
and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).* This is a time to become
aware of the needs of others in our Christian communities and beyond in order
to work together to address them. This includes financial, spiritual,
emotional, and other kinds of needs.
8. *Let us remember the poor (Galatians
2:10).* This is a time to pay special attention to the least, the poor—with a
broad understanding of poverty—both nearby and around the world.
9. *Let us embody the fruit of the
Spirit, most especially patience (Galatians 5:22–23).* This is a time to allow
the Spirit to work in and among us to bring to greater fruition all the
dimensions of the Spirit’s fruit, but perhaps most importantly what has sometimes
been called longsuffering.
10. *Let us embody the virtues of
faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).* It is always time to practice
this triad of theological virtues and share them with others, but now they will
take on special shape and meaning.
11.
*Let us clothe ourselves with humility (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5).* This is
a time when we need humility because we are constantly moving into unknown
territory, and we will all make mistakes. We need to recognize our own
inadequacies and extend ourselves and one another extra measures of grace while
also humbly holding ourselves and one another accountable. God opposes the
proud but gives grace to the humble.
__
Please DO WEAR A MASK when visiting the Church. Although
there are no office hours set as yet both Pastor and Robin are sometimes there.
Pastor Knick has a compromised immune system, and Robin has several health risk
factors. Some necessary meetings have been scheduled and masks and social
distancing are required for those in attendance. Check with your Chair person
if you have a question.
___
Here is a very good article about grief during this time
of pandemic:
___
Stewardship Matters
Your Generosity Is Showing!
You may not believe this, but it is an exciting time to be
the church! The oft-quoted phrase, ‘The church has left the building’ has never
been truer. It is really quite exciting!
God calls us to be stewards in every situation. Practicing
generosity is consistent with a desire to serve God and his church. Disciples
of Jesus Christ persevere in times of hardship and look for ways to be of
service to the Kingdom of God.
I have been encouraged to hear that many churches have
continued to receive the generous gifts of a generous people in this time. My
hunch is that churches with numerous households that give online or through a
recurring bank draft will have a regular source of support and will not suffer.
Though we are not gathered for worship we are scattered for
mission. The church is thriving outside the walls of the building. That is –
when and where we continue to live and act as grateful and generous stewards of
a grateful and generous God.
What are we to say about this period in human history? This
pandemic, has virtually shut down
life as we know it. What story are we writing even now? What
will future generations learn about this epochal event and how we, the church,
responded to it? What will be our
‘stewardship story’?
These questions are far more important than we may realize
for at present we are overwhelmed with the reality of making sure we take appropriate
precautions and consumed with just getting through each day. We look forward to
when the economy begins to open up, people return to work, and we gather for
worship in the space that means so much to us. Even then, we know it will be
different for a long time and perhaps forever.
We will eventually return to a ‘new normal’ and, if we are
foolish, we will forget the lessons we have learned from this pandemic. ‘Staying
at home’ has its own challenges and rewards . There are lessons to be learned
that will make us wiser.
So ponder these questions:
>How are you being a steward of your time and of
relationships now?
>Are you finding new ways to connect with God and with
others?
>Did you give a minimum of a tithe from your government
stimulus? Can you do more than that if you are able?
>Where did you share this windfall with someone in need?
What a great time to be the church! In a strange and bizarre time in human
history we can write part of the story with how we make a difference in human
life. This pandemic cannot stop us from being the church and being disciples.
Only we can do that. Our generosity is
showing! Or not!
Please practice generosity. Always practice generosity!
Rev. David A. Rash
© Stewardship Matters of Virginia
Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising
___
Honoring
our 2020 Graduates
Got Graduates? We want to hear from you! Email Graceumc2@comcast.net please!
We heard from Nell Lunde. Congratulations to these member
graduates:
Joseph C. Lunde-A well-earned High School Diploma from
Sherando High School and Grafton School.
Catherine (Cate) M. Lunde-Advanced Diploma from Sherando
High School after 4 years being medically homebound! Continuing her attendance
at LFCC.
Eleanor (Ellen) E. Lunde-Advanced Diploma from Sherando
High School-National Honors Society member, Associate of Arts and Sciences from
LFCC-Governor's Scholar-President's List, Attending George Mason University.
Entering as a rising junior. Pre-med, Majoring in Biochemistry
___
Craft
Bazaar Date Set
The 2020
Craft Bazaar will not be rescheduled this year. Instead the 2021 date has been
set for Saturday, March 13, 2021 with the snowdate the following week. All confirmed
vendors from this year were notified and offered a place next year. Most have
accepted. Their fees paid this year will apply to their spaces.
___
Mow and
Trim Volunteers needed! Please
help keep the church yard looking good. Here is the current schedule:
Week
start
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To
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end
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Mow
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Trim
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06/01/20
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06/06/20
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John Keller
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John Keller
540-335-4015
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06/13/20
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John Keller
540-335-4015
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John Keller
540-335-4015
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07/06/20
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To
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07/11/20
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Randy Jenkins 540-533-3001
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Randy Jenkins 540-533-3001
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07/13/20
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To
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John Keller
540-335-4015
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John Keller
540-335-4015
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08/08/20
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John Keller
540-335-4015
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John Keller
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08/31/20
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To
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09/05/20
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___
A Call to
Action on Systemic Racism
Dear Virginia Annual Conference:
On Memorial Day, when the world was honoring and
remembering all military men and women for their sacrifice to this country, Mr.
George Floyd, another African-American man, while handcuffed and in police
custody, was pleading for his life. His dying statement, “I can’t breathe,”
rings again in my ears just as it did in 2014 when Eric Garner used those same
words as he was dying from being held in a chokehold by a New York Police
Department officer.
As I have reflected since Monday, I find my emotions
range from sadness to anger to disbelief.
I ask myself the simple questions – “How long, Lord? How long, Lord?”
Isn’t it enough that we are fighting a pandemic and at
the same time fighting life’s other challenges? Isn’t it enough that we
witnessed the senseless death of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, the disturbing
exchange between Christian Cooper and Amy Cooper in Central Park, and the
barely-mentioned Breonna Taylor, who was killed by Louisville Metro Police Department
officers executing a warrant at the wrong house in March?
When do we as children of God decide that God is calling
us into action? When do we decide that mere words or social media interactions
for a few days are just not enough?
When do we as children of God decide that the systemic
racism in our society, whether manifested overtly or covertly, is a sin that
hinders our relationship with Jesus Christ and is antithetical to the gospel?
When do we as children of God in the second largest
annual conference in The United Methodist connection decide to have the crucial
conversations and examine our own experiential and inherited stories of race
and racism? I believe that everything in life begins and ends with the story
you have accepted as truth about yourself and others. These stories shape our
thinking, actions and assumptions about different races.
The lesson from these senseless deaths is that the fight
to eradicate racism is not another person’s problem but humanity’s problem, and
I believe that I’m not the only voice in the Virginia Annual Conference that
wants to see real change and work toward the complete eradication of racism.
As the Resident Bishop of the Virginia Annual Conference
of The United Methodist Church, I am requesting that leaders of the Virginia
faith community join in a conversation about policing with Governor Ralph
Northam. The requested conversation will focus on statewide community
relationships and policing training and practices.
In addition, I would like to invite the people of the
Virginia Annual Conference to join me in these call to action steps:
We need informed clergy and laity to have authentic
conversations about race and reconciliation in houses of worship, communities,
and workplaces in which we acknowledge racism as a sin and actively pursue
whatever is necessary to dismantle the injustices. One resource for starting
that conversation is the Racial Justice Conversations Guide produced by the
General Commission on Religion and Race; Community policing emphasizes working
with neighborhood residents as partners in creating public safety. We can offer
our support and involvement with law enforcement agencies that want to work
with community residents to identify problems and collaborate on implementing
solutions that produce meaningful results for the community; and
We can encourage civilian participation in oversight of
law enforcement in order to strengthen trust with the community. Every
community should define the appropriate form and structure of civilian oversight
to meet the needs of that community.
Continue to pray for the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud
Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. Let us hold close the words of the Apostle Paul,
who reminds us in Romans 12:21; “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with good.” (NKJV)
Peace and Blessings,
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis
cc: Governor
Ralph Northam
Attorney General Mark R. Herring, Esq.
___
From the UMC Council on Bishops: As people of faith it
is time to take a stand against any and all expressions of racism and white
supremacy.
___
Please do stay in touch!
Pastor Clay email: clayknick@comcast.net
Administrative Assistant Robin Arnold: GraceUMC2@comcast.net
Saturday, May 16, 2020
We miss you: Making a plan to gather again
![]() |
| Office rose in bloom this week |
Dear Grace Church Family,
Lisa and I miss you all so very much. We look forward to
the day when we are all together again in a similar fashion to what we are used
to. I know I miss our worship, talking before and after worship, spending time
with our children and youth, communion, and so much more.
As you know Governor Northam has said that churches may
resume worship this weekend in a limited way. That is not the case with the
churches of the VA Conference. Bishop Lewis is not permitting in-person worship
at this time.
The conference has designed a handbook that each church
is to use to get ready for in-person worship. We have been instructed to form a
Healthy Church Team and I have asked several people to serve as members. If you
are interested please contact me.
The handbook is very extensive. As I read it yesterday I
was impressed with the care and hard work that went into it. It is also very,
very clear that worship will not be the same at all during the first weeks or
months of opening under the provisions of this handbook.
For example, everyone will have to register to attend
worship by Thursday of each week. Everyone who attends will need to wear a
mask, come with their own hand sanitizer, take their temperature at home that
morning, and sit six feet from another person or family. There will be no
nursery, children's time during worship, fellowship time, handshakes or
hugging, no choir or singing. If you are sick in any way you are to stay home.
No baptisms. No passing of the plate for the offering. There is also the
suggestion that the service be rather brief, no more than 30 minutes or so. The
longer everyone is together the higher the risk of a possible exposure to the virus.
Once the service is over everyone leaves. There will be no bulletin, hymnals,
pew Bibles, or any other similar materials. No Sunday School.
So as you can see under these strict protocols things
will be very, very different. Once the bishop decides a specific date we can
determine if that works for us or can wait until we are ready. Classes and
groups can continue to use Zoom and committees can meet with 10 or less members
present and physical distancing. I will continue to put a sermon on Facebook
each week with lots of help from Lisa.
The motive for these restrictions is one taken from Mr.
Wesley who took it from the Hippocratic Oath: "Do No Harm." We also
want to hear our Lord's call to "Love your neighbor as you love
yourself" (Matthew 22:39 NIV).
We take all the precautions we need because we do not want
this to happen at Grace:
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/42126834/ringgold-church-cancels-services-after-3-church-members-test-positive-for-covid19
So at this time we seek wisdom from the Lord in how we
may best care for one another. We pray for the day when this virus subsides and
many are healed. We pray for our leaders, scientists, and those who work in healthcare
and who are first responders.
Again, we miss you and look forward to being together
again as church family.
Grace + peace,
Clay+
Resources:
Back to In Person Worship PlanBishop's Plan Summary
Handbook for Local Churches
***
Monday, May 11, 2020
A Message from Bishop Sharma D Lewis: Work Group to recommend guidelines for opening
May 9, 2020
Dear
Virginia Conference,
May
the Lord be with you and keep you. It is a wonderful day to be a United
Methodist. I know that Virginia
United Methodists are longing for the return to in-person worship. One of our
highest priorities must be loving our neighbors through ensuring the safety of
those who attend our services. As we reported this week, a work group of church
leaders, medical professionals, and legal professionals have been working hard
to provide guidance to help us go back to in-person worship safely. On Friday morning,
the Cabinet reviewed a draft of their work and we are preparing a list of
frequently asked questions this weekend.
Friday
afternoon, Governor Northam announced that he may loosen the restrictions
related to in-person worship on May 15, 2020. Our timetable, as United
Methodists, will be phased. I will allow Drive-In worship to begin on May 24,
2020 for all churches under strict guidelines that will be released by May 15,
2020. I will also authorize some test churches (we will call them “pioneer”
churches) to open on May 24, 2020 with no more than 25 people in attendance under
strict guidelines that will also be released by May 15, 2020. These pioneer
churches will provide much needed data for the churches in our various districts
on how to open safely.
Please
continue to be in prayer for those who are affected by COVID-19 and those
working hard to care for them. Pray as well for those who are extending
themselves to serve at great risk and great cost. Whenever we return to
worship, we will have stories to tell of God’s goodness and provision in this
crisis.
Peace
and Blessings,
Bishop
Sharma D. Lewis
Friday, May 1, 2020
Grace Notes May Newsletter
Grace UMC Family,
I have now completed five rounds of chemo and immunotherapy! One
more round to go in June and then I am finished with the chemo. I will be
having immunotherapy now and then to keep me going, but the chemo will be done.
The chemo has killed the cancer very well, but has wreaked havoc with my immune
system and caused delays in treatment. So Dr. Ingram reduced the dosage so I
can finish it. I am being given booster shots to support my immune system so
he's got that covered also. He spent 20-25 minutes with me Monday going over
options. He even considered stopping the chemo, but when he told me he could
lessen the dosage I said let's go for that. I'm all for killing cancer! As I
said above the immunotherapy will continue for a bit longer.
Lisa and I appreciate all the prayers and concern and many cards
and gifts you have given us during this time. Your love has been so very
evident. What a blessing it is to be a part of our church family. We have
missed everyone so very, very much. Thank you for your patience with us as we
continue to put the sermon on Facebook and learn that technology. I'm finding
that is a substitute for the real thing which is the gathered body together in
worship and mission. Technology is a substitute, but not a savior. It can only
take us so far.
At this time I do not know when we will be together again in
worship. Perhaps next month, perhaps not. When we do return things will
probably be different. We may be wearing masks, not singing, receiving
communion in a different way, and continue to practice physical distancing. We
don't know all the details yet, but I do think that things will be very
different for a while.
You may be wondering about the "not singing" comment
above. Since the virus is a respiratory virus it is believed that singing can
spread the virus. Perhaps you heard about the choir that practiced several
months ago and many of the members got very sick soon after practice and being
close together.
In this crisis time, when Easter was weird, we are alone together,
people are wearing masks, restaurants are limited in what they can offer, so
many have lost their jobs, and so many have died, we cry out to God for mercy
and healing and hope. I read at least one Psalm a day and that practice has
sustained me during this time when the virus and my treatments have changed my
schedule, disrupted my sleep, and caused me to be frustrated, worried, or
afraid. The Psalms are a constant reminder that our life is with God, that he
is with us, guiding us, and teaching us, and that his steadfast love never
fails us. That is very good news to me. In this Easter season we are constantly
reminded that Jesus is alive and present with us and his promise is that he
will always be with us come what may.
I do hope we get to see one another soon. Until then stay safe and
be blessed.
Grace + peace,
Clay+
Thank you to Matt and Katie Fauver for making this beautiful aerial video of our church using their drone! It’s just beautiful set to the music of Amazing Grace. We are blessed with such talented people in this church!
Stewardship Matters
Generosity in a pandemic
My sign-off for these monthly stewardship articles is ‘Practice
generosity. Always practice generosity!” Today, even with the concerns about a
recession, it still is!
These are most unusual of all unusual times. No one living has
ever seen anything like it unless they were alive during the 1918-1919
pandemic, which took the lives of millions around the world. The economic
struggles we have experienced in the past fifty years, however, has some
familiarity to it. A few remember the great depression. Others know the volatility
of the economy as it hits rough spots with recessions and near depressions. Now
we have the specter of serious harm to the economy.
Researchers who study the economy and philanthropy trends have
documented over many years that Americans are not particularly generous, giving
away about 2% of our income. This has been documented as a historical reality.
But what is very interesting is that at one point it reached 3%. Do you know when
that was? The answer: during the Depression. The years 1929 – 1939 marked a
terrible economic downturn for the country. Massive unemployment dogged the
nation and lines stretched for blocks as people faced dire hunger, waiting to
get a little bit of food. It was a long, dark period of painful memories.
What researchers tell us is that when we all had less to give we
all gave more!
This downturn in our economy is not a time to give less. Truly. Please
do not hoard money you do not need while others are hurting. If you are
fortunate enough to retain your job and wages, give generously as you are able
to support the ongoing ministries of your church.
Let me make an appeal to my age group, senior citizens.
My wife and I are blessed to receive Social Security and a pension
(thank you very much, UM’s, after 30 years of ministry!). We have some investments
that further support our lifestyle. Therefore, we believe we can afford to be
generous with the stimulus we expect to receive. In fact, we have covenanted to
give most of it away, first to the church and secondly, to help those hit hard
by loss of wages. Seniors: as you are able this is a time to ask God to show
you who and how to help. (Gift cards may be best).
The churches that will be remembered fondly when this is over are
the churches that stretched and supported the community in which they reside,
assisting households in and out of the church family. If your church has funds
earmarked for generous acts of compassion and support, do not withhold those
thinking ‘we need to cut back’.
How do you want your church to be remembered a year from now? What will the community say about your
church?
So please, practice generosity. Always practice generosity!
Making the plan
In a forthcoming book and workbook that I am writing, Making
the Plan, designed to help Christians do prudent planning for end-of-life
issues, one of the topics I write on is making choices now so that your family
does not have to, and so grief is not mixed with making uncertain decisions on
your behalf.
Another topic is, documenting the furniture and other important
items you have in your house, its history, and who you want to pass it along to
when you are gone. (written, oral, or video) This book/workbook is the result
of my Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from The Lake Institute
(Indiana University School of Philanthropy). This is an excellent project
during this ‘shelter-in-place’ period. See below.
Take pictures, tell the story, protect your valuables
What furniture do you have which has a family story to tell? What
heirlooms are in your jewelry box that others may not know how they came to
you? Take a picture and record the story so family members will not toss them
out.
There is another reason for having pictures of your possessions.
Whatever you have in your house is subject to the ravages of fire, tornado,
floods, or other destructive elements beyond your control. If this happens your
homeowner’s insurance will (hopefully) cover your costs of rebuilding. But you
WILL be asked to supply in writing what your loss entailed from furniture to
jewelry to clothes. I assure you, you will not be able to remember everything.
What to do? Take inventory! Take pictures! Take pictures of each
room with its furniture, and each piece of furniture. Take pictures of your
jewelry, the clothes hanging in your closet, the appliances. Don’t forget the
garage. If you have highly valuable art/antiques/jewelry, this is especially
important. This can easily be done with a camera, phone or otherwise, filming
items while you walk through the house, and then storing it in the Cloud for
safekeeping. Better yet, export the
pictures to a flash drive/CD, and store them in a safe deposit box or someplace
absolutely secure.
Quote from State Farm: “Items
destroyed in a house fire are usually covered by insurance. Typically, the
homeowner’s policy is a replacement cost policy. When a loss occurs, you will
receive the actual cash value of your damaged items at the time of settlement
and may recover the replacement cost once the items have been replaced. To help
ensure everything is accounted for, keep an inventory of your possessions. This
inventory should include the date of purchase, cost at purchase and description
of each item, wherever possible.” www.StateFarm.com/simple- insights/residence/what-to-do- after-a-house-fire.
Consider scanning your receipts (if
you have them) and pictures to your computer, and then transfer them on to a
flash drive/CD and keep it in your safe deposit box, or some other safe back-up
program.
Church Trustees
You should do the same with the
furniture in your church, everywhere, in every room. Starting with the
sanctuary and its sacred furniture, the organ, the stained glass, then moving
to the kitchen, the furnace(s), then to the classrooms. Document everything
with pictures.
Rev. David A. Rash
Stewardship Matters of Virginia
info@StewardshipMattersVa.org
Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising
Stewardship: It’s Not What You Think. It’s What You Believe…and Do!
The grass keeps growing
Thank you to Tim Roberts and Richard Callis for taking care of the
Church yard in April. Here is the schedule for May and June. Thank you so much!
Our Website is an important resource. The Bishop’s Daily prayer is
there, there’s a link to our Facebook page, and you can sign up to mow and trim
the church yard. There are links to our
New Grace Notes Blog, the Church Calendar, and to Donate. When you give via
your Credit or Debit Card using the PayPal link, your donation goes directly to
our Bank. No checks or mail to handle, or travel needed to deposit, or mask needed
to protect our treasurer, financial secretary, or our bank personnel. It’s the
safest way. Thank you to everyone who is giving this way!
Be sure to explore the new Grace Notes blog. We’ve had some good
comments and people are finding it useful. On the right side, scroll down to
find some useful links, including our Mow and Trim volunteer schedule spreadsheet.
***
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