From the Pastors Desk - September 02, 2022
What a wonderful Saturday the Main Street Festival turned out to be! A huge thanks goes out to Lester who went to auction after auction looking for pretty dishes. After he purchased them, he washed them, packaged and boxed them and, eventually, carted them over to the festival. Thanks to everyone who signed up to work as well! What a successful endeavor! $406.26 was raised for the Pet Food Pantry. I was amazed at the number of young people leaving with bags full of dishes. I mentioned this to Anne who informed me that she was not at all surprised since her generation is the one that shops at thrift stores to find good quality, vintage items. Hmmm. Sounds like an incentive to try it again next year!
I also want to thank Ginny Watkins for her service to Good Shepherd over so many years. Ginny was always there with a smile or a laugh. She decided to become Vice President even though she wasn’t sure she would be comfortable with the job. I think I caught her off guard when she asked me what the Vice President does and I replied that I would send her to all the official state funerals. Ginny courageously battled cancer for so many years. I am certain she is now at peace. I am also certain she heard “Well done my good and faithful servant” as she entered the church triumphant!
If you have heard rumors that we will be trying to partner more with Zion UCC, the rumors are correct. Pastor Eli, Pastor Carl and I have not met formally yet, but we have had a few emails back and forth. None of us knows exactly how this partnering will work out or the extent of our working together. If you would like to suggest something we could do together, please let me, or any other council member, know. Stay tuned!
Finally, I have another very enthusiastic council member regarding a dinner for first responders. This is certainly something we could do with Zion. I have to admit this dinner has once again become personal for me as we sent my mom to the hospital by ambulance last Saturday night. She had an infection in her knee and is being treated with antibiotics and doing well. Needless to say, I have spent time in the hospital this week at her bedside watching the comings and goings of the medical professionals. Yes, they are overworked, and the hospitals are very understaffed. I have tried to do as much as I can to help; helping with my mom when they need it, tidying up the room, etc. I like to hope that what little I can do is at least somewhat of a help. I’m not certain what this future dinner will look like, but I really think it needs doing!
I believe that’s all for now. Let me know your ideas and thoughts.
Faithfully,
Lei Fahrner
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