Willis United Methodist Church

06/18/2026

06/15/2026

Passing this info along in case you are not in the e-mail chain.
FYI

Those of you at church realize that the a/c was not working. Today thanks to Jimmy and his main man, Roger, we had the system checked out. Lightning struck near enough to the church that it hit the A/C system. The capacitor on both units was burned out. The technician was able to replace both. However, the compressor on one of the units was burned out. That part needs to be ordered. They are checking to see if the unit is still under warranty. If warranty is out, we will need to file an insurance claim due to lightening being the cause.
As soon as the compressor arrives, the A/C company will install.
We will keep you in touch as we learn more.

06/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1687589543255197&set=a.542696291077867

There is something almost magical about singing with other people. And science has uncovered a beautiful reason why.

Research on group singing found that when people sing together, their heart rates begin to synchronize. As the singers breathe in unison through the phrases of a song, their heart rhythms rise and fall together, beating almost as one.

Group singing has also been associated with the release of oxytocin and endorphins, reduced cortisol, improved mood, and a powerful sense of social bonding. Studies have found that people who sing in choirs report higher wellbeing and stronger feelings of belonging.

What makes this so striking is that it happens regardless of musical skill. You do not need a beautiful voice. The benefit comes from the act of joining your breath and voice with others.

This may help explain why communal singing appears in nearly every human culture, in worship, celebration, mourning, and gathering. It is a technology for connection as old as humanity itself.

As a physician interested in the deep roots of health, I find this profound. Connection is one of the strongest predictors of a long, healthy life, and singing together is one of the most joyful paths to it.

You do not need to perform. You just need to join your voice with others.

Where could you find a chance to sing with other people, even informally?

05/31/2026

From Tom Hines

June Birthdays:

June 02 Andrew Browning
June 03 Steve Chisenhall
June 10 Vikki Clark
June 29 Ann Sharpe

FISH Report :

FISH had a very successful spring yard sale thanks to the many items donated.. The weather did not cooperate as much as we could have wished, but we completed it. The grand total profit was $6,463.73! This was not bad considering most items sold from $.25 to $ 2.00!
FISH is now accepting items for the fall yard sale.

FISH NEEDS:
June: Juice
July: Shampoo & Conditioner
August: Brunswick Stew
September: Canned Greens
October: Women's Deodorant

Good Clean clothes are always needed and accepted as well as shoes.

At the current time, FISH needs babies and children's clothes. Our inventory is very low.

Thank you for your continuing support.

05/30/2026

For our friends up at Hardy Central Baptist Church.

05/17/2026

We all enjoy a variety of different kinds of music.
But sometimes, at the end of a stressful day, your soul is struggling and searching to find peace.
Once in awhile, you need a really good symphony. One that has strings that gently sing like tiny songbirds. A large brass section that is polished like glass. You close your eyes and the music envelopes you. Music that instantly calms your soul, and lets God tell you, that you are OK.
Please listen to this rendition from André Rieu of Nearer my God to Thee. Turn the volume up, and enjoy.

FYI, their are 500 brass instruments playing in this performance!

André Rieu, over 500 brass players & the Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Nearer, my God, to Thee live in Amsterdam. Taken from the DVD "André Rieu Gala-L...

05/17/2026

Willis Church had a wonderful third Sunday lunch today. Pastor Dave Torrence delivered an inspiring service, as always, and then everyone enjoyed the wonderful fellowship afterwards.

We also were blessed to get a visit from Elizabeth Johnson who was celebrating her 89th birthday with all of us today. She traveled all the way from Newport News to attend our Willis Church homecoming today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elizabeth. 😀🎂🎈🎉🎊