First Sunday at Shiloh UMC

In April, I started serving as the Interim Pastor at Shiloh UMC in Forest VA. I am still appointed to Timberlake UMC until July and they have graciously loaned me to Shiloh.

I realize some of the pictures are a tad fuzzy, but I've been assured that I look better that way.

 This is a very "coming full circle" experience for Joanne and me. Joanne has had family in these pews for at least three generations. There is a stained glass window in the santuary dedicated to her grandparents.

 Joanne grew up attending Shiloh UMC, she went to Sunday School and played the piano here. Actually, when we were dating, I started coming on Sundays just so I could see Joanne more.

41 years ago this June, Joanne and I were married at Shiloh UMC, standing in front of that altar rail. I took part in Joanne's father's funeral standing behind that pulpit. In other words, there is a lot of history here that we are connected to and happily so.

 I asked the congregation, "How many of you were here when Joanne and I got married?" Quite a few people raised their hands. I then looked at them and said, "You didn't see this coming, did you?" Everyone laughed and more than a few shook their heads.

I can't say that I can see where the road is leading with this new move. But, the cool part is that I know who plans my intinerary and I know He has quite an adventure in mind.

Shiloh UMC Homecoming 2009

Well, I got abandoned this Sunday. Joanne decided to send me off on my own while she attended the Homecoming Sunday at Shiloh UMC, her home church where she grew up and we were married. They must have felt as if the prodigal daughter had come home. Joanne got back on the piano and accompanied her cousin Sharlene, who played the organ. The pastor at Shiloh is Rev. Bob Merkle, who has been a good friend and a lot of help to me when I have questions about Methodism.

Joanne always have family at Shiloh. Above are her cousins Chelsea and Cody on the phone. Below are her cousins Katie and Emily.

This is Joanne with her cousins Laurie, Mary Beth, and Sharlene.

Forget what they say, You can go home, even if its only for a visit, its still going home.

P.S. Joanne brought me home a big plate of food; fried chicken, ham, deviled eggs, ham biscuit, baked apples, potato salad, and some really good baked beans. I guess it pays well to have your wife take an occasional Sunday off.

VBS 2009 at Shiloh UMC

Joanne helped her cousin, Sharlene, with Vacation Bible School at Shiloh UMC. Shiloh is the church Joanne grew up attending and where we were married,

They taught the songs to the different age groups in the sanctuary. They had special guests attending from Heart Havens. http://www.hearthavens.org/

They had a closing cookout at their picnic pavillion. The kids sang for the parents and friends attending.

VBS is done and now its time for some relaxation.

An Update on Joanne's Post-Surgery Rehab

Since her surgery Joanne hasn't been able to do much with her hair. My help has been extremely limited. I can get her hair back in a ponytail with much difficulty and little success. I decided to take her to get her hair done. I told her we had some reservations, but didn't tell her where or for what. A friend of ours, who has been doing Joanne's hair for longer than I can remember, Rita Mattox, has a hair salon on Lakeside Drive called "Style Pros". (She cut my hair at one time, until it started falling out.) I called her, told her what I was planning, and told her to do whatever Joanne wanted, as long as it was something she could take care of herself without to much difficulty. When we pulled into the parking lot Joanne knew where we were heading. I took Joanne into the salon and told them to call me when finished. When I came back, Joanne had her back to the door and I didn't recognize her. Her hair was straightened for the first time in years, but that will wear off in time. When we were leaving and I was getting ready to pay, Rita wouldn't allow it. She said, "Come back and see me after Joanne goes back to work." Where do we find friends like that.
I will readily admit that I'm not the best nurse Joanne could have but, for the most part I'm all she's got. We both appreciate all the help and kindness we have received; the meals, cards, calls, words of support and encouragement, and of course the assistance with the transportation to the doctor and physical therapy. It has all been quite overwhelming. We are blessed.

Post-Surgery

This has not been a great week for Joanne. She was supposed to have started her physical therapy on Tuesday, but became very sick. We think it was the codeine in her pain medicine. So she has to rely on Motrin to cut the pain in her hand and shoulder. She has been in great deal of discomfort. She gets worn out doing ordinary things. I am afraid she does not have the best of nurses, me, doing her home care.

We have been blessed by the kindness of others. Joanne's cousin, Charlene, and my family have helped by bringing meals for us. Our congregation from Republican Grove UMC had a pizza dinner delivered to our home. Our friend, Alice, picked Joanne up for physical therapy and then brought her home yesterday. My sister, Karen, will be doing the chauffeuring to physical therapy next week.

I can't list all the people that have brightened Joanne's days with calls and cards of well wishes. I think the folks who brought us the meals had the same thoughts as the message Carl Wayne Adams wrote, " Joanne, get well soon, you know Charlie can't cook!" I guess sometimes the members of your congregations know you too well.

Joanne's Surgery

Today Joanne had her surgery. The technical description of her procedure was "left shoulder arthroscopic subachromial decompression and left endoscopic carpal tunnel release". I think that means they worked on her left shoulder for problems from her torn rotator cuff and her left hand for her carpal tunnel condition.

Ann Eades, the nurse in the photo, did her pre-op stuff and started her IV. Ann at one time worked at our doctors office before going to the Surgery Center. It was a real comfort to Joanne to have someone she knew there. Ann's first comment to Joanne was, "Why did you bring him?" It was good to have Joanne laughing before the surgery. Thanks Ann.

I had plenty of company in the waiting room. Barbara and Dewey Rakes from Mead Memorial UMC, where Joanne works as secretary, came by. Then my sister Karen and then my Mom and Dad joined us. It helps having folks to talk to and keep your mind off things. Thanks folks.
The surgery went great and it was the best case scenario. The shoulder didn't need extensive work and physical therapy will start Tuesday. Thanks Doc.

She was a tad nauseous from the anesthesia after the surgery, but she slept through that. She went in to surgery at 9:30 and was out by 11:30. We were on our way home by 3:00 that afternoon. When we got home she went right to sleep on the sofa. She has a bell she rings when she needs me. I am very thankful for all the well wishes and prayers from family and friends. Thanks everyone, keep up the good work. Most of all thanks God, Amen.