Whew! I'm tired and the week is just about to begin. We have been hammered with funerals. The Lord has decided to take his people home. Four weeks ago was Jim's graveside service. He died suddenly after having open heart surgery. Last Thursday we had Phil's memorial at the church. This coming Tuesday we will have Erma's memorial. I haven't been in charge of all of these but it has entailed visiting with the families and being at the service. In fact, a former pastor officiated at Phil's service but I was there and it involved the entire day -- getting things set up, visiting people, the service itself, the committal in the cemetery, the luncheon afterward, and finally cleaning up. Joyce and went home and crashed!! Trevor and I are conducting Erma's service Tuesday and I'll meet with the family tomorrow and then do the preparation.
Each of these, plus a service a couple months ago, have involved our people preparing food for either the luncheon or for the family while the person was ill -- or both. I think our ladies just automatically prepare an extra dish when they go into the kitchen to prepare a meal.
I'm not complaining. This is all part of pastoral ministry. But I'm still tired. Usually this many deaths are spread out over several months -- or years. I think I had about 1 funeral a year in Grants Pass. I do have to add, these last two folks who died had been in poor health for several weeks or longer. And we have one more lady who is not expected to live very long. Oh, well.
Friday we went into Salem and looked at lots -- building lots, that is -- as in pieces of property to build a house on. We found one really nice, large one in a not-so-good neighborhood and another nice one but at a pretty high price. We'll keep looking. In the evening we had dinner with Ginger and two of her friends, Debbie & Steve, at the Macedonian Restaurant in Salem. It's really nice with a Greek theme -- of course.
Well, it's easy to see what has taken up most my time. Joyce is right in there with me on most of this. Thursday she helped in the kitchen for 6 hours and did a craft for the Family Night kids party. Today I preached then had a Board meeting after the worship. And so it goes... and goes... and goes... goes.
5 comments:
Wow, lots of funerals. It is quite the process to work with all those families and carry out the service. It was good talking to you on the phone. We are glad for our friendship and the support we can be to one another in the ministry over these many years. Keep up the good work. Love you guys, Susy and Chuck
Come to Florida and relax... I know of a real nice place with a pool and hot tub.... a BBQ grill and a swing... It is cheap too !!
Come visit the grandkids. I'll pamper you... after you do the daddy-dos! See you soon. Jana
Wow, as they say in Oregon (& Washington) - when it rains it pours! You have certainly experienced that in compassion ministry. God has given you the strength you need and will continue to do so. He approves of your love toward those families. Try to get the necessary rest. Fortunately this won't last forever.
God is good and will give you what ever you have need of.
Love,
Bess
Glad to hear all is well with both of you.
Twyla and Roy
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