Beloved TLHD Ministers!

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ . . . Philippians 1:3-6(NLT)

I pray that you are all well and healthy in the midst of this pandemic.

Undoubtedly, ministry and pastoring has changed during these challenging times.

This pandemic has stretched us and caused us to be creative and ask God for divine strategies to fulfill our assignment.

Though this pandemic has threatened and even taken the lives of many of our fellow ministers in other districts, I am glad to report that we have had no casualties due to this pandemic in our District. Our ministers are safe even though we had 1 case of one of our ministers and his wife whom tested positive but are on their way to full recovery. We praise God for that!

As we prepare to reopen our churches, we want to make sure that we do it in a safe and wise manner. The fact that “we can”, does not necessarily mean that “we should”.

Date to Reopen
The TLHD GP in session, approved that all District Council Churches reopen on May 31 or later. We encourage every General Council Church to consider doing the same. In doing so, we must continue to follow the guidelines given by the CDC and the Governor.

After meeting with our District GP, we have all agreed to implement the following guidelines. These guidelines include, but are not limited to:

1. Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.

2. Disinfect seats between services.

3. Disinfect any items that come into contact with attendees.

4. Make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectants readily available.

5. Attendees must wash or sanitize their hands upon entering.

6. Attendees MUST maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals.

7. Must wear cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth).

8. Place readily visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices.

9. If a church is going to serve communion, they are recommended to have them individually packed for each attendee.

10. Maintain rigorous sanitation practices like disinfection, handwashing, and cleanliness.

11. People 65 years or older, especially with medical issues like heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system, are at a higher risk for getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 are recommended to stay home.

District Council
Our District Council has been moved to July 31. It will be a one (1) day District Council to have our elections for our Executives and Department Leaders. It will start Friday morning at 9:00am ending with our Ordination Service. It will be in Houston, TX. Location will be announced at a later date.

Ministers Assistance
In our TLHD Presbytery Session, it was approved that our Presbyters would inform us of any pastor who needed financial assistance. We have been able to help over 20 Pastors and Ministers! Should you need assistance, please contact your Presbyter or our District office. Thank you for your faithfulness with your tithes!

Reopening of District Office
Since the “Stay at Home” order was given, we closed our offices and had our employees work from home. Starting May 5th, we will reopen our offices and our staff will be in the office again Tuesday-Thursday at our normal working hours, 9:00am-5:00pm.

Please know that we continue to pray for you. Please pray for us as we continue to lead this great District.

Amazed by HIS grace,

JR
Supt
TX LA HIS District

2 Corinthians 11:28 (NLT)
28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.