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
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).
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.
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