Yesterday was my first day back to work after knee replacement. I have missed you all very much!
It has been a blessing beyond words to receive your care during my time away. Some of you sent cards. Some brought food. Some took over my weekly duties. Some just stopped by my apartment to check in and visit. Some ran important errands or drove me to doctor’s appointments or physical therapy. Some called or emailed or texted to check in on my progress. Our office staff offered many kindnesses, and the deacons assumed a great number of pastoral care duties. Vestry members wrote fine e-news headnotes, and Fr. David brought me Communion on Sundays. And many of you, I know, remembered me in prayer.
Beyond this precious gift of care, this is one sign of a healthy church! When we care for one another, we live out the new commandment Jesus gave to his disciples at his last supper with them: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
My stamina is returning more slowly than my knee is healing. I may be keeping short hours for awhile and preaching from a chair. Even so, I am filled with eagerness at the thought of being among you again as we prepare to begin another program year. I am grateful for all of you.
With deepest thanks,
Mtr. TJ