Gratitude

I am writing this the day before the summer solstice. Everything is so lush and full and green. This time of year fills me with thoughts of gratitude. I feel so happy and grateful to be your minister, and to share this ministry with such wonderfully kind and generous people in our congregation. There are so many thanks I could give that I would soon run out of space. But at this moment I want to express my thanks to a particular group, and a particular person in that group. I am speaking of the Pastoral Care Team and its long-time chair Ruby.

The Pastoral Care Team is the group that listens when you are going through a hard time, are celebrating a joy, or facing an illness. We envisioned such a team during the first year that I came to Allen Avenue, and then it slowly took shape bit by bit. It started with volunteers who were willing to answer a phone call during the summer months when I was away. We helped it along with the Leadership and Ministry Program workshop called LAMP 101. It grew stronger when I went on sabbatical in the fall of 2009. When I returned that January, we began to talk about how the team might be a part of the ministry year round, while I was here as much as when I am away.

Team members began to make note of what was said during joys and concerns, and respond with a conversation or a phone call. They did follow-up calls to those who were ill, or had lost someone they loved. Members of the team visited folks in the hospital or in their homes. Now it feels like they significantly enhance the quality of the love we share at A2U2.

I want to say a special thanks to Ruby who has had a key role in creating and guiding the team since the beginning. It just wouldn't have blossomed without her gentle presence, her behind the scenes organizing, and her availability for other team members to call upon with their questions. Ruby is stepping down as chair, but is continuing as a member of the team. She is now working as a chaplain at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, which makes it difficult to attend church on Sundays. Connie Cross and I prepared a certificate to give to Ruby, and since we couldn't do it at a Sunday service, I wanted to let you know what it says.

In Appreciation, Ruby P.

You have been instrumental in creating and leading our Pastoral Care Team and helping it to develop and grow. You have brought compassionate listing to so many of our members and also helped to teach others how to listen with love and care. You have inspired us by your willingness to seek a new path to follow the calling of your heart into a ministry with elders. We want to offer our special thanks for all that you have given our beloved community and many blessings on your continuing journey of ministry.

I am happy to report that Merrill is stepping up as chair, and we will likely add a co-chair in the fall. During the summer, if you need a listening ear, you can call the church 797-7240, dial extension 13, and leave a message for up to a minute. Someone from the team will call you back. Or you can email care @ a2u2.org, and someone will be in touch. That is also a way you can access the help of the Caring Connection, for meals, rides, or other help during an illness or other emergency. That is another group of wonderful people!

The members of the Pastoral Care Team this year have been Ruby, Merrill, Jim, Sara, Kathy, Judith, Mike, Dick, and Lisa. Joyce and Minty joined the team this spring. We'll be doing a LAMP 101 training in October, and welcome new members anytime during the church year.

Have a joyful summer!

Rev. Myke