The building is closed. There's no Sunday morning worship in the Sanctuary, or Sunday School in the classrooms. There's no Wednesday WINDOWS. No Wednesday night dinner, Bible study or book clubs. The Choir Room is empty and silent. 

But First United Methodist Church Garland is not closed. Because our church is not a building. It's the people. It's us. The church - our church - is who we are, not where we go. 

As we shelter in place, doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, we continue to do the work for which we are tasked as disciples of Christ. 

We worship together virtually on Sundays at 11:00am. 

We also offer Sunday morning adult fellowship (8:30am) and Sunday School (9:40am) via Zoom.* 

Senior Pastor Valarie Englert leads Breathe, a moment of peace and reflection at 8:00am Wednesdays on Facebook Live. 

Director of Music Ministries Kitty Williams and the Chancel Choir harmonize on Zoom* Wednesdays at 7:00pm, and Artist-in-Residence Eldred Marshall periodically shares his gifts on the piano via Facebook. 

Josh Medlock, Director of Student Ministries is in fellowship with our First Youth via Zoom** at least twice a week. 

We pray for one another. 

We give our tithes and offerings to keep God's work alive through our church. 

Your pastors and church staff stay connected with church family and friends by phone, text, email and Facebook to address pastoral care needs when humanly possible under these extraordinary circumstances. 

In short, we're all in this together. We are all responsible for carrying on the work of the church, even when there's no sanctuary and no church building available to aid us. 

First United Methodist Garland is shuttered, but not closed. Now more than ever, we are the church. 

* For invitation to participate, email office@fumcgarland.org.