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The Dallas Church leadership team is staying current with all the updates and CDC recommendations and will use this page to update our church family in the weeks ahead!
Update June 10th
Dear DC family,
Indeed. What DOES love require of us who call Jesus Lord and Savior right now? The prophet Micah's message to God's people so long ago rings true today (Micah 6:8):
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
If I could paraphrase or restate:
To do (and fight for) justice. To be kind, no to LOVE being kind to others. To be humble in obedience to God.
People are hurting.
Many feel like their voice is not being heard. Families have suffered losses and are greiving.
What does it mean to grieve with those who grieve? What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 12:26 when he speaks of how when one part of the body hurts, we all hurt? We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, but, also, to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) - how?
Somehow when we see injustice or violence from a distance it is easier to dismiss. However, when it is close to home, we can't dismiss it as easily can we. We may not fully understand someone else's pain or perspective but we can listen and love them.
I heard a talk from Pastor Craig Groeschel today that was helpful so I thought I'd share a few thoughts from that message about how we can be known as people of love during right now:
1)Racism is REAL. Everyone is created in the image of God - all! God sees His kids. Call racism what it is - heartbreaking to God.
2)LISTEN. Hear the stories of those hurt by racism. They matter. We can learn. Care enough to feel another’s pain.
3)Pray. Yes act. Yes pray. Prayer changes us. Pray for leaders, those hurting by loss, for victims and first responders. Ask God what you can do. Pray for unity - Jesus did. Prayer is our first line of offense.
4)Love. Stand with others in unity.
Let's march under the banner of the profound love of Jesus Christ. Call racism what it is - evil. Listen to those who are hurting. Pray. Love. And finally, as Peter reminded us so many years ago:
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (I Peter 4:8)
With much love,
Pastor Ben
Update for May 19th, 9:30am PST:
Last week the Governor declined Polk County’s reopening application in conjunction with Marion County’s application. Moving past that disappointment we are anticipating a review this week of our county’s application. Now we are seeing some states reeling from lawsuits and court decisions on the legality of continued stay at home orders and many of us in the church family are seeking clarity on reopening. These are trying times for us all, so, let us pray wisdom for our leaders (both in government and our church), unity for the church, and overall, that God would empower us to be witnesses of love and the gospel in our community!
UPDATE for May 11th, 8pm PST:
The Governor has begun discussing phases in reopening Oregon and while there are still questions, it is time to begin praying and considering what that might look like for the church. Our leadership met late last week and discussed ideas and timeframes and how to begin more in person meetings and larger gatherings. We agreed to continue to pray and move slowly to show love to our most vulnerable (loving our neighbors), maintaining unity and overall, giving each other a lot of grace as we navigate the next few weeks. Tomorrow our staff will attend a special conference with the Oregon Health Authority and the office of the Governor with regard to faith communities and we’re praying for clarity and a reasonable plan.
In case you haven’t review this, here is an article posted to the CDC’s website today: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html
Blessings & Peace!
Pastor Ben
UPDATE for May 4th, 4:30pm PST:
On Friday May 1st, Governor Kate Brown extended Oregon’s state of emergency status for an additional 60 days which carries us into July. Many are feeling frustrated at the prolonged social distancing and its impact on local business and commerce in general. There are some counties submitting reopening plans currently although I’m not sure about Polk County where our campus is located. Let us be praying for a healthy return to business even if it is not exactly business as usual. Our church will continue to offer ministry and worship gatherings online and do our best to pastor and shepherd in the digital space as God leads us!
Update for April 28th, 7:45pm PST:
So far we’ve seen just shy of 2400 coronavirus cases in Oregon with 99 deaths reported. Across the country, some states are beginning to ease restrictions and try to restart some areas of the economy. As the situation keeps changing, let us continue to pray for healthcare professionals and those on the front lines as we move into a new phase of this pandemic. Let us be diligent to care for each other and remember to, as Peter wrote to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you!” Amen.
Update for April 20th, 11 am PST:
Taking a quick look at the Oregon Health Authority coronavirus update page revealed that here in Oregon, we’ve tested close to 40,000 people for the virus and just shy of 1,900 were positive. As of April 19th, we’ve had 74 deaths related to the virus. Though our numbers are lower than other parts of the country, let us pray today for those who’ve lost love ones – especially those who cannot visit family members who are suffering with the virus or are in quarantine in retirement facilities and communities. Lord, peace be with those families.
UPDATE for April 14th @ 8pm PST:
So we are hearing preliminary talk from the Whitehouse on restarting the economy, but, in the meantime, the Oregon Health Authority is suggesting we stay the course with staying home except for essential needs, maintaining proper hand hygiene and covering coughs. Let’s pray for strength for each other to see this through and pray for the leadership of our country to make wise decisions.
UPDATE for April 8th @ 1:25pm PST:
Governor Brown has issued a statement that there will not be any face to face teaching for the rest of the school year. Let’s pray for parents and educators! Lord grant Your peace in every home during this time!
UPDATE for April 7th, 2020 @ 3pm PST:
As of yesterday, Oregon has 1,132 confirmed cases of people with the coronavirus and 29 deaths. Our hearts are heavy for those who’ve lost loved ones and we continue to pray for the people on the frontlines of our medical community and those in leadership of our nation and state. God grant wisdom for leadership, protection for medical staff and a cure or vaccine soon!
Pastor Ben
(PS You can reach out to our staff if you need help during this time by texting 503-508-2001)
UPDATE for March 31st, 2020 @ 12pm PST:
Pastor Ben here – looks like we are now looking at a longer shelter at home timeframe. With all the daily changes, it can be overwhelming to know what’s happening. For our Dallas Church family, we are committed to remaining available to pray, help you with deliveries, and provide any resources we can as we embrace a longer social distancing scenario. During this time, we know that our faith in Jesus is crucial. Jesus once used these words of comfort to his closest friends going through difficult and anxious circumstances (John 14:1):
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me”
If you are in need of assistance or prayer, please reach out to us in any of these ways:
Phone 503-623-2711 (church office)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallaschurchOR
Our website: http://www.dallaschurch.org
Email: office@dallachurch.org
Our Church Center app via your smartphone.
You can also reach out via text message to our Pastoral Staff: 503-508-2001
COVID-19 / CORONAVIRUS UPDATE March 18th, 2020 @ 3:45pm PST.
Hello Dallas Church family,
Many of you may have heard the recent recommendations by the CDC regarding gatherings of 50 or more. As with Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s ban last week of gatherings of 250 or more, this is in an effort to slow the progression of the COVID-19 virus (known as Coronavirus). In response to this mandate and CDC recommendation, and with a desire to both obey the laws of the land and to consistently operate in a heart of love for the more vulnerable among us, Dallas Church has determined to take the following actions:
REGARDING OUR CAMPUS – The Dallas Church campus will be closed until the ban and recommendations are lifted or updated in some capacity.
REGARDING OUR SERVICES – We will move our weekend services to a video platform delivered online (dallaschurch.online.church) through our webpage and our app. This is a great opportunity for all of us to creatively (and safely) go to church. You could invite friends & neighbors to your house, watch service in your pj’s…the possibilities are mind boggling. We’re inviting you to get creative in redeeming this time. It is our hope to continue to offer clear and creative presentations of the gospel through this challenge. Thankfully we live in an era where so much human interaction can be done via technology and we encourage you to use it in ever-increasing ways over the next eight weeks.
REGARDING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND SMALL GROUPS – With our decision to close our campus, we will not be able to host any weekly activities, events, or small groups for the time being. If you are part of a current small group, we encourage you to connect with your group leader for more information about your group. We highly value community @ Dallas Church, therefore we are working on creating various opportunities online for you to connect. Please follow our website, Facebook, and our new smartphone app to keep updated.
REGARDING OUR EASTER SERVICES – Although we hope that the ban and CDC recommendations will be lifted or relaxed prior to Easter on April 12th, we will be prepared to continue our online services moving forward.
REGARDING COMMUNICATION – In addition to our teaching presentations, we will be providing updates both via email and social media. These times of communicating key information will be essential in helping us all feel informed despite the ever-changing landscape surrounding us.
REGARDING FINANCES – First, I would want to thank you for your regular giving as part of your personal trust in Jesus. With that in mind, we would simply ask that you continue with that faithful giving as God enables you throughout this time. We realize this pandemic can create challenges for many in the realm of finances, and Dallas Church is certainly not immune to those effects. Our church functions on the faith and trust expressed in your offerings and this crisis certainly has the potential to add a layer of stress in that regard. Dallas Church does not operate from endowments or trust funds but rather fulfills its mission solely through the gifts of those in our community. We simply invite you to continue to give in love and trust throughout this season. If you have never given digitally through our app, this is a great opportunity to start this convenient practice. Maybe you’ve never given to our church at all, so, this is a great time to start. If it simply works better for you to give cash or check you can send it by mail or bring it to the church office. Even though our campus is closed, our staff is still on-site facilitating ministry and planning for our future. For more information on giving to DC, check out our website (dallaschurch.org/give).
REGARDING FEAR – I’d like to encourage you with this thought. Often it is in times like this that we are called to make a greater impact as salt and light in our community. We get to constantly remind ourselves and others of Jesus’ words in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He that’s in you than he that’s in the world”. These events did not surprise God and they most certainly are not bigger than God. In fact, it is in the midst of our uncertain circumstances that God wants to reveal His greatness in and through us.
Remember we love you – we are here for pastoral care, ministry, and support and we will continue to find safe and creative ways to make that happen. We will trust God to order our steps even though it may look a bit different in this time. DC is still moving forward and believing God’s best for you.
So, this is me, giving you a virtual hug (or maybe a virtual side hug). We love you, Jesus loves you, and He is still greater than anything in this world.
Yours in Him,
Pastor Ben
Update June 10th
Dear DC family,
Indeed. What DOES love require of us who call Jesus Lord and Savior right now? The prophet Micah's message to God's people so long ago rings true today (Micah 6:8):
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
If I could paraphrase or restate:
To do (and fight for) justice. To be kind, no to LOVE being kind to others. To be humble in obedience to God.
People are hurting.
Many feel like their voice is not being heard. Families have suffered losses and are greiving.
What does it mean to grieve with those who grieve? What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 12:26 when he speaks of how when one part of the body hurts, we all hurt? We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, but, also, to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) - how?
Somehow when we see injustice or violence from a distance it is easier to dismiss. However, when it is close to home, we can't dismiss it as easily can we. We may not fully understand someone else's pain or perspective but we can listen and love them.
I heard a talk from Pastor Craig Groeschel today that was helpful so I thought I'd share a few thoughts from that message about how we can be known as people of love during right now:
1)Racism is REAL. Everyone is created in the image of God - all! God sees His kids. Call racism what it is - heartbreaking to God.
2)LISTEN. Hear the stories of those hurt by racism. They matter. We can learn. Care enough to feel another’s pain.
3)Pray. Yes act. Yes pray. Prayer changes us. Pray for leaders, those hurting by loss, for victims and first responders. Ask God what you can do. Pray for unity - Jesus did. Prayer is our first line of offense.
4)Love. Stand with others in unity.
Let's march under the banner of the profound love of Jesus Christ. Call racism what it is - evil. Listen to those who are hurting. Pray. Love. And finally, as Peter reminded us so many years ago:
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (I Peter 4:8)
With much love,
Pastor Ben
Update for May 19th, 9:30am PST:
Last week the Governor declined Polk County’s reopening application in conjunction with Marion County’s application. Moving past that disappointment we are anticipating a review this week of our county’s application. Now we are seeing some states reeling from lawsuits and court decisions on the legality of continued stay at home orders and many of us in the church family are seeking clarity on reopening. These are trying times for us all, so, let us pray wisdom for our leaders (both in government and our church), unity for the church, and overall, that God would empower us to be witnesses of love and the gospel in our community!
UPDATE for May 11th, 8pm PST:
The Governor has begun discussing phases in reopening Oregon and while there are still questions, it is time to begin praying and considering what that might look like for the church. Our leadership met late last week and discussed ideas and timeframes and how to begin more in person meetings and larger gatherings. We agreed to continue to pray and move slowly to show love to our most vulnerable (loving our neighbors), maintaining unity and overall, giving each other a lot of grace as we navigate the next few weeks. Tomorrow our staff will attend a special conference with the Oregon Health Authority and the office of the Governor with regard to faith communities and we’re praying for clarity and a reasonable plan.
In case you haven’t review this, here is an article posted to the CDC’s website today: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html
Blessings & Peace!
Pastor Ben
UPDATE for May 4th, 4:30pm PST:
On Friday May 1st, Governor Kate Brown extended Oregon’s state of emergency status for an additional 60 days which carries us into July. Many are feeling frustrated at the prolonged social distancing and its impact on local business and commerce in general. There are some counties submitting reopening plans currently although I’m not sure about Polk County where our campus is located. Let us be praying for a healthy return to business even if it is not exactly business as usual. Our church will continue to offer ministry and worship gatherings online and do our best to pastor and shepherd in the digital space as God leads us!
Update for April 28th, 7:45pm PST:
So far we’ve seen just shy of 2400 coronavirus cases in Oregon with 99 deaths reported. Across the country, some states are beginning to ease restrictions and try to restart some areas of the economy. As the situation keeps changing, let us continue to pray for healthcare professionals and those on the front lines as we move into a new phase of this pandemic. Let us be diligent to care for each other and remember to, as Peter wrote to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you!” Amen.
Update for April 20th, 11 am PST:
Taking a quick look at the Oregon Health Authority coronavirus update page revealed that here in Oregon, we’ve tested close to 40,000 people for the virus and just shy of 1,900 were positive. As of April 19th, we’ve had 74 deaths related to the virus. Though our numbers are lower than other parts of the country, let us pray today for those who’ve lost love ones – especially those who cannot visit family members who are suffering with the virus or are in quarantine in retirement facilities and communities. Lord, peace be with those families.
UPDATE for April 14th @ 8pm PST:
So we are hearing preliminary talk from the Whitehouse on restarting the economy, but, in the meantime, the Oregon Health Authority is suggesting we stay the course with staying home except for essential needs, maintaining proper hand hygiene and covering coughs. Let’s pray for strength for each other to see this through and pray for the leadership of our country to make wise decisions.
UPDATE for April 8th @ 1:25pm PST:
Governor Brown has issued a statement that there will not be any face to face teaching for the rest of the school year. Let’s pray for parents and educators! Lord grant Your peace in every home during this time!
UPDATE for April 7th, 2020 @ 3pm PST:
As of yesterday, Oregon has 1,132 confirmed cases of people with the coronavirus and 29 deaths. Our hearts are heavy for those who’ve lost loved ones and we continue to pray for the people on the frontlines of our medical community and those in leadership of our nation and state. God grant wisdom for leadership, protection for medical staff and a cure or vaccine soon!
Pastor Ben
(PS You can reach out to our staff if you need help during this time by texting 503-508-2001)
UPDATE for March 31st, 2020 @ 12pm PST:
Pastor Ben here – looks like we are now looking at a longer shelter at home timeframe. With all the daily changes, it can be overwhelming to know what’s happening. For our Dallas Church family, we are committed to remaining available to pray, help you with deliveries, and provide any resources we can as we embrace a longer social distancing scenario. During this time, we know that our faith in Jesus is crucial. Jesus once used these words of comfort to his closest friends going through difficult and anxious circumstances (John 14:1):
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me”
If you are in need of assistance or prayer, please reach out to us in any of these ways:
Phone 503-623-2711 (church office)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallaschurchOR
Our website: http://www.dallaschurch.org
Email: office@dallachurch.org
Our Church Center app via your smartphone.
You can also reach out via text message to our Pastoral Staff: 503-508-2001
COVID-19 / CORONAVIRUS UPDATE March 18th, 2020 @ 3:45pm PST.
Hello Dallas Church family,
Many of you may have heard the recent recommendations by the CDC regarding gatherings of 50 or more. As with Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s ban last week of gatherings of 250 or more, this is in an effort to slow the progression of the COVID-19 virus (known as Coronavirus). In response to this mandate and CDC recommendation, and with a desire to both obey the laws of the land and to consistently operate in a heart of love for the more vulnerable among us, Dallas Church has determined to take the following actions:
REGARDING OUR CAMPUS – The Dallas Church campus will be closed until the ban and recommendations are lifted or updated in some capacity.
REGARDING OUR SERVICES – We will move our weekend services to a video platform delivered online (dallaschurch.online.church) through our webpage and our app. This is a great opportunity for all of us to creatively (and safely) go to church. You could invite friends & neighbors to your house, watch service in your pj’s…the possibilities are mind boggling. We’re inviting you to get creative in redeeming this time. It is our hope to continue to offer clear and creative presentations of the gospel through this challenge. Thankfully we live in an era where so much human interaction can be done via technology and we encourage you to use it in ever-increasing ways over the next eight weeks.
REGARDING WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AND SMALL GROUPS – With our decision to close our campus, we will not be able to host any weekly activities, events, or small groups for the time being. If you are part of a current small group, we encourage you to connect with your group leader for more information about your group. We highly value community @ Dallas Church, therefore we are working on creating various opportunities online for you to connect. Please follow our website, Facebook, and our new smartphone app to keep updated.
REGARDING OUR EASTER SERVICES – Although we hope that the ban and CDC recommendations will be lifted or relaxed prior to Easter on April 12th, we will be prepared to continue our online services moving forward.
REGARDING COMMUNICATION – In addition to our teaching presentations, we will be providing updates both via email and social media. These times of communicating key information will be essential in helping us all feel informed despite the ever-changing landscape surrounding us.
REGARDING FINANCES – First, I would want to thank you for your regular giving as part of your personal trust in Jesus. With that in mind, we would simply ask that you continue with that faithful giving as God enables you throughout this time. We realize this pandemic can create challenges for many in the realm of finances, and Dallas Church is certainly not immune to those effects. Our church functions on the faith and trust expressed in your offerings and this crisis certainly has the potential to add a layer of stress in that regard. Dallas Church does not operate from endowments or trust funds but rather fulfills its mission solely through the gifts of those in our community. We simply invite you to continue to give in love and trust throughout this season. If you have never given digitally through our app, this is a great opportunity to start this convenient practice. Maybe you’ve never given to our church at all, so, this is a great time to start. If it simply works better for you to give cash or check you can send it by mail or bring it to the church office. Even though our campus is closed, our staff is still on-site facilitating ministry and planning for our future. For more information on giving to DC, check out our website (dallaschurch.org/give).
REGARDING FEAR – I’d like to encourage you with this thought. Often it is in times like this that we are called to make a greater impact as salt and light in our community. We get to constantly remind ourselves and others of Jesus’ words in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He that’s in you than he that’s in the world”. These events did not surprise God and they most certainly are not bigger than God. In fact, it is in the midst of our uncertain circumstances that God wants to reveal His greatness in and through us.
Remember we love you – we are here for pastoral care, ministry, and support and we will continue to find safe and creative ways to make that happen. We will trust God to order our steps even though it may look a bit different in this time. DC is still moving forward and believing God’s best for you.
So, this is me, giving you a virtual hug (or maybe a virtual side hug). We love you, Jesus loves you, and He is still greater than anything in this world.
Yours in Him,
Pastor Ben