From Susan Kurtz
August 30, 2017
As many of you already know, Geoff Pinkerton is undergoing cancer treatment. Heidi continues to work and Ian is busy with school, Scouts, and his regular activities. Geoff stays as active as possible but faces many challenges in the days to come.
I (Sue Kurtz) have agreed to serve as a coordinator so that the family is not inundated with repetitive questions and offers of help, or contacted at inconvenient times.
Such a health crisis throws everything into chaos, and creates an enormous strain on the family that often makes it difficult to handle routine daily tasks.
In times of need, the greatest source of hope and healing is the love of family and friends.
Our church family, especially, can offer help and support.
Geoff and Heidi have set up a "Caring Bridge" web site to serve as a central communication point with family and friends - which they will use to journal, provide updates, and coordinate offers to help.
I am asking you to help support this family in one specific way by providing prepared food/meals, coordinated using the Caring Bridge site as a signup sheet. Heidi and I have worked together to set up a preferred schedule, along with descriptions of their specific dietary restrictions, likes, dislikes, and favorites. At some point, other needs may be listed for specific tasks or odd jobs. Other family, friends and co-workers will also be signing up for Caring Bridge tasks. All task slots may not be filled, but every slot that is filled will be a great help and greatly appreciated.
To use the Caring Bridge web site, you will need to sign in (with Facebook or Google, or create an account with your email address and a password). After you find 'Geoff the Pink' - click on WAYS TO HELP, then click on VISIT PLANNER.
You'll see a calendar with links showing that meal deliveries are currently requested on Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Click on the link for the date you wish, to comment and sign up. You may say that you're bringing a whole meal, just a casserole, a salad, fresh veggies or dessert, etc., and perhaps list the time of day you plan to make the delivery.
This coordination is an effort to avoid having too much food show up all at once, or not enough when it would be most helpful.
Be sure to check the meal ideas and dietary restrictions near the bottom of the task page, and note that deliveries are requested to Ascension's church kitchen, NOT to the family's home.
Please package food for safe transport, using disposable dishes/containers whenever possible so there will be no need to track items for return. Label the item(s) "Pinkerton" - and you may use the fridge/freezer or plug in a crockpot if desired. Be sure to affix a label securely to any items that must be returned, with your name and contact information. Such items will be returned to the church kitchen for you to pick up there.
If you don't have a church key, you may need to check on office hours for access to the kitchen, or find someone who does have a key.
The family will pick up items at the time most convenient for them - based on the Caring Bridge calendar, so be sure to use that - there is no need to call someone to announce the delivery.
As needs change, Geoff and Heidi will post updates on the Caring Bridge page. I will be keeping in close touch with them regarding their needs. You may c
ontact me at church on Sundays, or any time by email to
susankurtz751@hotmail.com.
You may also contact Mona in the church office at (502-223-0557). We will be glad to help you use the Caring Bridge site to see what is needed and sign up as desired.
Thank you.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Matthew: 25: 35-36
