Dear family and friends of The Woods UMC,
While our office hour and church campus remains closed for gatherings due to COVID-19 concerns.  If you need to reach staff members please call during office hours or send us an email and we will respond as soon as possible.
Rev. Kim Poer  -  kim@thewoodsumc.org
Lee Templin  -  lee@thewoodsumc.org
Gary Adgate  -  adgate@mac.com
Rebekah Beminoff  -  rebekah@thewoodsumc.org

I know we are all making personal sacrifices during this time of COVID-19. I pray our strong actions now will save lives and reduce the spread of this virus. Thank you for reaching out to check on one another by phone and online. Please continue to care for one another!

We will continue to stream Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Facebook Live. I pray you will join us online if you are able. Our Sunday School classes and small groups are also working on ways for members to remain connected during this season of social distancing.
 
As always, if you have a pastoral need please know you can reach out to me anytime by email.
Through it all, let us remember that God is with us, we are not alone!
Scattered, yet one in Christ,
Rev. Kim Poer

                                                                   Join Us As We Pray for GPISD 
As school districts, teachers, and families are anticipating the beginning of school in some fashion we are beginning a prayer effort to cover our GPISD schools, teachers, administrators & staffs, and the families of our community in prayer. Please join us in praying for all those who are connected to our GPISD campuses, as well as all private or charter schools in our area and those returning to colleges and universities.
                                  GPISD campuses are listed here, for more information on each campus visit the link below.
Austin Environmental Science Academy Elementary, Bonham Early Education School Prekindergarten, Bowie Fine Arts Academy Elementary, Bush Global Leadership Academy Elementary, Crockett Early Education School Prekindergarten, Crosswinds Accelerated High School High School, Daniels Elementary Academy of Science and Math Elementary, De Zavala Environmental Science Academy Elementary, Delmas Morton Elementary, Dickinson Elementary and Montessori Academy Elementary, Digital Arts & Technology Academy at Adams Middle School, Dubiski Career High School, Eisenhower Elementary, Fannin Middle School, Florence Hill Elementary, Garcia Elementary, Garner Fine Arts Academy Elementary, Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute Grades 6 to 12, Grand Prairie Early College High School, Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Grades 6 to 12, Grand Prairie High School, Jackson Middle School, Johnson DAEP High School - Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, Marshall Leadership Academy Elementary, Moore College and Career Preparatory K-8, Moseley Elementary, Ochoa STEM Academy at Ben Milam Elementary, Powell Elementary, Rayburn Elementary STEAM Academy, Reagan Middle School, School for the Highly Gifted 1-8, Seguin Elementary, South Grand Prairie Early College High School, South Grand Prairie High School, Travis World Language Academy Grades Pre- K-8, Truman Middle School, Uplift Lee Preparatory Grades K-4, Whitt Fine Arts Academy Elementary, Williams Elementary, Young Men's Leadership Academy at Kennedy Middle School, Young Women's Leadership Academy at Arnold Grades 6 to 12


​Grow in faith and self-understanding with these Anti-Racism Resources ​
                                                                        Additional Resource Recommendations
Book List
Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race.  Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us.  by Benjamin Watson
​This is a great book for those beginning conversations about race.  It’s approachable to all and gives a perspective of what it’s like to be black in America.  Watson is a Christian and finds hope for racial healing in God.  
 
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
This is a book for white people courageous enough to do some self-reflection.  It’s also a book that can spur us on to deeper thinking, better conversations, and meaningful action.  
 
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book is a no holds barred book that shows the deep pain caused by racism, both direct and systemic.   

“Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Not a book, but a powerful read for us today.  This letter, available in the link below, was written to white clergy who were telling King to wait for change. They were uncomfortable with the peaceful protests and although they said they wanted change, they didn’t like the way King was going about it.  It’s a must-read for white Christians in the church today.   
Movies
“Just Mercy”   This movie is based on a true story.  It explores the intersection of racism in the justice system and the death penalty. 
It’s an important and thought-provoking movie for all of us to watch.  
 
“13th”  This documentary looks at the injustices of mass incarceration and it’s overwhelmingly crippling effect on communities of color. 
It shows many of the disparities of our justice system and invites us to think how we might be a part of a better solution.

“Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement 1954-1985”
PBS documentary on black history and the civil rights movement, available through the link below.   
  For books to use to discuss racism with children follow the link below​

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