Update on Chris Bennett

As most of you know, Chris Bennett, our Facilities Manager, and Interim Youth Director, had emergency spinal decompression surgery last Friday morning. They went in on a herniated disk but found bone fragments, most likely from a previous injury, lodged against his spinal column. The extent of the damage is unknown, but he will be in inpatient rehab at HCA Destin to get stronger with some physical therapy and will also be out for much longer than anticipated. During this time, Chris, Mandy, and the children could use your prayers.

Mandy’s mother has come down to live with her and assist with the children while Chris is in rehab. There is a meal train running and a Go Fund campaign to help with medical deductibles. Links are below.

Meal Train: https://mealtrain.com/9e8rq6 (Organized by Ben and Angelina Savage, 850-865-9880 if you have questions)

GoFund Me: https://gofund.me/fcf728ce (Organized by Justin Day)

The pastors and essential staff/volunteers met and devised a plan for moving forward with the youth program.

Chris Bennett is able and willing to continue planning for the fall semester while he is at rehab. He will plan Wednesday Small Groups, Sunday Worship and Word, Next Gen Night, Sunday School, 5th Quarter (Sept 15th), and The Challenge Weekend (Sept 29th and 30th) accordingly.

Our Director of Worship Arts, Ben Savage, will coordinate logistics on-site for these events as Chris gives directions.

Rev. John Kelsoe and Wayne Walker, both with backgrounds in youth ministry, will step in to assist with teaching and mentoring as needed with the calendar—Kelsoe on Sundays and Walker on Wednesdays.

We have looked out the month of August and September, anticipating knowing more in the coming weeks concerning rehab, and will update you when we have more information.

Tony Malini, our Administrator, is working out maintenance issues and can be contacted if you have any questions. tony@shalimar-umc.org or call the main office line at (850) 651-0721.

We had a youth leadership meeting this past Saturday, August 12th, @ 9 am in Cross Corner that went over this with volunteer team.

If you have any questions or would like to assist with the youth at this time, please email youth@shalimar-umc.org

#BennettStrong

UPDATE: Chris has a tentative release date from rehab August 25th.