Hello from the Vicar 02/25/2011

Hi, all!

This week I've been making steady visits to the ICU at Harrison Hospital to visit Eleanor Brook, who is recovering from open-heart surgery. I'm glad to say that despite some difficult setbacks, she's beginning to recover nicely.

What I've noticed is how much support she's been given from her fellow parishioners. When I visit, I often notice that another parishioner has been there before me, or there's a card on the table from one of us at St. Antony's. The prayer chain has been actively praying for her. The love we have for each other is obvious.

I've noticed the same thing with our dear Kaye Mckerchar. This week she's fighting cellulitis in her foot, and she's receiving great support from her friends at St. A's.

I'm so thankful to be part of a parish where every person matters. We support each other at St. Antony's, and pastoral care is something we all do, not just the Vicar. When someone is ill or in need, we step up to offer support and care.

Carolyn Sorrell is relatively new to St. A's, but she has a gift and a calling to make pastoral visits. As a newly retired occupational therapist, she's used to visiting people in their homes. I've taken her to visit several of our members, and I notice what a good listener Carolyn is. She listens attentively and she reflects back what she's hearing. I suspect some of her ability comes from accompanying her father, an Episcopal priest, on pastoral visits when she was a child. I hope she'll be a regular part of our pastoral care at St. Antony's.

It was certainly good news to hear last Sunday that Michael Demmon has been selected to become an Chaplain in the U.S. Army. Michael, son of Bill and Elisabeth Demmon, was raised in our parish, attended seminary, was ordained an Episcopal priest and has served as assistant Rector of St. Luke's in Fort Collins, Colorado for two years. And now he's finally reached the goal he has worked so hard to attain. Congratulations, Michael. We're proud of you!

The threat of snow this week kept many of us watching for ice and snow on the roads, and we cancelled several mid-week programs to prevent people from venturing out needlessly. I hope everyone is safe.  Thankfully, the weather seems to be improving. Did I see some daffodil shoots poking up from one of Katy's flower pots?

May God give you a promise of Spring in your heart.

Bill