My dear church family,
Thank you so much for your care and concern over my recent hospitalization. Your expressions of love and your prayers are deeply appreciated. Now, let me assure you that I am just fine. I only wish that this little drama had not played out on the weekend.
On Saturday morning I had what my grandmother might refer to as a "sinking spell," which caused the EMTs to be called. The first question they asked was, "Do you know where you are?" The second question was, "Do you know who our president is?" On whatever side of the political fence you sit, you can chuckle as you imagine my response.
The result of 30+ hours in a windowless room in the hospital is that (and these are the words of the cardiologist) my heart is beautiful. After a similar event about 14 months ago, the neurologist came to the same conclusion about my mind. (It's clearly debatable.) So, there is nothing serious that should cause me or you concern.
There is obviously a glitch; maybe they will find it or perhaps not. I am at the age (and I think many of you are as well) where we can count on a few glitches here and there. We all need to remember how important diet, exercise, and engagement in meaningful activities and relationships are to maintaining good physical and mental health.*
Again, I am deeply grateful for your concern. Some of you have inquired about what you can do for me. The most important thing is not to make this bigger than it is. This week I have been working on a worship service for Sunday that will focus on the importance of love and relationship as we not only honor those who have been married 25 plus years, but also lift up the importance of all of the relationships in our lives that sustain us. I would be sad if anything diverted that focus.
As an added bonus, this Sunday we will begin our worship with the singing of the MWPC centennial hymn "Praise the Lord." Each year the congregation sings the hymn on the Sunday nearest to our founding; every five years, which is this year, the singing includes organ, handbells, and brass. It should be a splendid beginning to a meaningful worship service.
Last night at our Session meeting, many of our confirmands were present. The young people inquired about the role of the elders in the life of the church. Many good answers were given, as individual elders responded. One elder reminded the confirmands that the role of the elder is to be a spiritual leader. At the end of the meeting, the elders spent time lifting up prayer requests as one expression of that important role.
When all had spoken, it felt as if the floor space in the middle of the rectangular table arrangement was filled with names and faces of those dear to us. There were celebrations, for sure, but it was also a reminder of the many troubling situations and anxious times being experienced by friends, family members, and church family. I pray for so many of you daily and carry you in my heart as I do the work of pastoral ministry, as you do for me-but I don't do so alone. We grieve together. We celebrate together. We acknowledge achievements and anniversaries together. We carry burdens together. We laugh together. We cry together. We wait together. We serve together. We worship together. And, in all that we do, we are strengthened because we are not alone. We are together in all things -- and we are church.
Blessings and love,
Interim Pastor
*
Consider this a plug for the MWPC Meditation Class, the MWPC Hiking Group, the MWPC Daniel Plan, and the upcoming MWPC Centering Prayer group--along with worship and other activities that stress the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual health.
