October 09, 2004

Back to Work

October provided my opportunity top return to work as a member of the pastoral team of the First Congregational UCC I eased into work since Friday, October 1st and Monday, October 4th were days when the church office was closed. I assisted in a memorial service on Saturday, helped serve communion on Sunday and was in the office from Tuesday-Thursday. I find myself getting a little tired physically at the end of the day, but am excited to get my mind around the daily concerns of church administration and sermon preparation. I will preach for the first time on Sunday. The lectionary text is the healing of ten lepers. One returns to thank Jesus. To receive a text on healing after my surgery and recovery is a blessing and I am working hard to incorporate some of my experience into the analysis of the text. I have been fighting off a cold and this morning my voice is a basso profundo. I hope I'll have enough voice tomorrow to make it through the service. After church we are hosting a birthday dinner for granddaughter Allie and son-in law Ron. I don't really need to talk much then, just be available with smiles and hugs. It is a joy to step back into the pastoral shoes. I realize that I have missed that milieu during my days of rest and recovery. Posted by Donel at October 9, 2004 11:45 AM

Dear Don,

Congratulations on being able to get back into your pastoral world. I guess I don't have to remind you to take it easy. Let your body tell you how much you can do.

Love to you,

Anita & Chuck

Posted by: Anita & Chuck at October 9, 2004 01:41 PM

I wish we could be there to see you preach this morning (or I guess, tomorrow morning since we are 14 hours ahead of you). Please send our birthday wishes to Allie and Ron. As your own October birthday approaches, I feel that there is much to celebrate this year. Charles, James, and I send you our love from Singapore translated into Mandarin, Tamil, Malaysian, and Singlish (and, in he case of James, first-year French).

Posted by: dani at October 9, 2004 09:24 PM

It was a joy to hear you preach yesterday, Donel. I echo the birthday greetings to you, having had the happiness of seeing Ron and Allie et al yesterday in person. You are always in my prayers.

Posted by: Janet at October 11, 2004 12:16 PM
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