As of September 30, 2009, Dunn Loring UMC is officially closed. On September 27th, DLUMC passed “the mantle” of mission for Christ to a new congregation yet to be formed. The Official Membership Roll resides with the Arlington District of the UMC, which you can learn more about on www.vaumc.org. This roll will be handed on to the new congregation when the doors of the Church re-open. Present members are encouraged to contact the new pastor, Dr. Todd Schlechty to become part of a new launch team.

Just as Elijah passed his mantle (his cloak of prophetic authority) to Elisha (1 Kings 19), on Sunday, September 27th, , DLUMC passed “the mantle” of mission for Christ to a new congregation now being formed. The new start church, “The Vine” is now in a start-up phase working with new people and former members planning . The new congregation, The Vine, led by Pastor Todd is reaching out to a new generation with new contemporary forms of worship.

Your participation would be warmly welcomed to an exciting new venture in building a new and fresh faith community, empowered by the Holy Spirit and connecting you and yours to the Christ who is for us and among us.

My short stint as the last pastor of Dunn Loring United Methodist Church has left me with many warm remembrances of a few faithful members who wanted to make a courageous move to fulfill their calling to be God’s people. DLUMC planned three years ago to work with the Virginia Conference’s “All Things New” venture in addressing the needs of small struggling congregations to fulfill their calling. That work has now come to fruition. I send my heartfelt thanks to the members of Dunn Loring United Methodist Church for the privilege of being your pastor through the final passage of this journey of faith hope and love. I also thank the wonderful, gracious, diligent leadership of DLUMC which helped a dream come true. The fruit of your hands and the work of the Holy Spirit, I believe, fulfills a scripture from the Book of Revelations ( 21:5): “ And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new."

Grace and Peace

Rev. Gene Larkin, UMC Pastor, Ret.

Visit the Get Involved tab to read more about Dunn Loring's Visioning for the Future.

To be part of this exciting new venture go to www.thevineva.org to learn more or contact jrgilbert@thevine.org.