A Word from Laura: Community Joys and Concerns
Just over one week into Lent, we at Western remember scripture’s call to the church to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” The last few weeks have seen a number of changes and challenges for members of our community and therefore for all of us. Out of respect for sensitivity and confidentiality, I tend not to share community joys and concerns in the email, but these folks have all given permission or shared on social media themselves. I invite your prayers and encouragement for:
- Elizabeth Adu, as she recovers from knee surgery, and for her nieces Adua and Mimi as they care for her;
- Erik Gutshall, as he struggles with a brain tumor, and for Renee, Ava, Marlena and Adm (formerly known as Lindy) as they care for him and for each other;
- Mary Wencil, as she heals from foot surgery, and for her grandson John and his friends as they care for her.
As they transition into life elsewhere, we will miss but celebrate the new things coming for:
- Tracy Boswell,in her new position as Associate Vice President for Student Support at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY;
- Reuben Brigety and Leelie Selassie, Roebel and Redda as they prepare for Reuben to become the new Vice Chancellor and President of The University of the South in Sewanee, TN.
Just as what happens to one part of our human bodies can affect our whole physique, what happens to one of us at church affects us all in some way. I encourage you to reach out to these folks with cards, texts, emails and messages, and especially to hold them up to God’s light.
Blessings to each of you, with prayers for healing and wholeness,
Laura
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; come and listen to me.
-words of a Taize chant