A Note from the Rector - January 2022
A Note from the Rector – January 2022
“Adapt to changing circumstances…no longer a surprise!”
Dear Friends,
While I was on a break after Christmas, I had a regular medical procedure done and tests revealed afterward that I have endometrial cancer that requires a hysterectomy. It appears that the cancer is contained and hasn’t spread as far as CT and MRI scans can reveal. I won’t know what stage cancer it is until the surgeon and oncologists go in during surgery and check everything in detail. What they find will determine whether radiation and/or chemotherapy will be required or not. I am glad they discovered this and that I can get the surgery soon (January 20) and I know I’m in good hands. I will need to focus on healing and have plenty of support.
I want to ensure that you know why I’m not as visible as I might be over the next 4-6 weeks. I have discussed this with the Staff and the Vestry and plans are in place to keep things moving forward with ministry from Holy Spirit. In my absence, the Rev. Gretchen Strohmaier will be in charge alongside Clem Work, our Sr. Warden. The Staff and I discussed things that might come up and together we set a course of action. In these times with ever-changing Covid situations, I want to be clear that I am totally out of the loop for a time so I can heal, and Gretchen and Clem will have full authority for decision-making as needed. This goes for everything from Covid protocol changes to decisions that arise unexpectedly. The Staff and the Vestry will move forward as seems best, and I trust everyone to carry on the ministries of the parish as you always do – prayerfully, compassionately, and most importantly, creatively, in concert with the movement of the Spirit. I trust the leadership of this parish and you can too. You will be well cared for as will I.
I ask your prayers for my surgery, and for the leadership of the parish. I will let Gretchen know how things are going and word will come to all of you as it seems right. I appreciate that many of you will want to help but at this time I request that you refrain from calling me and allow me to work with Gretchen as I have needs. Thank you for that. I will have a few folks helping me from a care standpoint; not to worry. Good old-fashioned cards through snail mail are lovely but hold off on flowers and such. Thank you for your understanding. I appreciate it!
Keep on adapting to what comes. Let us look with confidence to the year ahead with eyes open and joy in our hearts for God has chosen in Jesus Christ to be in our midst, Immanuel, God with us.
Faithfully with you on the way,
Terri+