Dear Congregation,
A little update on Pastor Mike and Pam……..
Mike was at rehab in Quincy, MA. They helped stabilize him and gave he and Pam some valuable skills and tips to help transition home. Friday, Jan.22, they made a successful transition back to their apartment in Braintree.
Mike had an appointment to prepare for radiation, which will be the first step for treating his cancer. He has a sizeable scar on his head, which he sometimes covers with a hat; it is winter and chilly after all.
Pam began her chemotherapy this week, the side effects of which remain to be seen, but she is hopeful and her daughter has been chauffeur in chief. They have been receiving a few visits, many cards and emails. Caring Bridge has been a great way to communicate updates and for all who wish to, to remain in the loop. For those who haven’t had a chance and are interested, you can find and join by going to caringbridge.com and search for Rev Mike. You must give an email and set up an account but you don’t receive spam and it is free.
Mike and Pam have expressed gratitude and feel blessed by all the outreach, thoughts and prayers. They continue to enjoy cards and emails.
Transportation is covered thus far, this is not to say that it may not be a need in the future, but for the time being, they are doing well in that department. Meals are greatly appreciated and the biggest help these days. Between Pam starting chemo and Mike not being able to cook for himself, they are invaluable. Some visits are welcome especially when accompanied by food☺ Mike is accepting all offers with open arms.
I have created a sign-up sheet for both cooking meals and visits/meal delivery on Sundays after church. Feel free to email, call or txt me if you are willing and able to help out. Meals can be left at church during the week in the fridge or brought with you on Sundays. We are aiming for 3 a week. There are no dietary restrictions. I will check the sign up weekly, or like I said, drop me a note.
Linda Roscoe and Sue Hadsell brought them a few meals and had a lovely visit with them last Sunday, Kathleen Stegall and Joseph Porte the week before. This is definitely a highlight in their week.
The deacons are going to be starting to collect donations for gift cards to Peapod. Peapod is a food delivery service that Stop and Shop offers where people can create a food list online and they deliver it to your house or apartment. This will allow them to get food they want or need, without the added work of going out in the weather, leaving Mike alone or simply the extra taxation on Pam during her own treatments. If you wish to make a donation, you can see me, Linda Roscoe or Barbara Karanja.
Thank you one and all!
~Caitlin Rivet
Ash Wednesday Service
Quiet reflection, music and prayer will be the focus of this service to assist our meaningful entry into the season of Lent. The service will provide a time of peaceful renewal in the midst of our challenging days.
Join the church family, and help us welcome others, to this traditional service marking the start of Lent. There will be ashes and an opportunity for placing them on our foreheads as the sign of our humility and dependence upon God’s grace (use of ashes will be voluntary).
This can be an important start, in the right spirit, to the journey of Lent toward Holy Week.
Souper Bowl
More than 25 years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group:
The Super Bowl football game,
Help us be mindful of those
Without a bowl of soup to eat”
Since that day, more than $110 million has been raised for local charities across the country through Souper Bowl of Caring.
It has become a powerful movement that is transforming the time around the Big Game into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving.
Through this mission, young people learn what it’s like to make a positive difference in the world – as they collect food, raise money and volunteer to work in charities that provide shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry and compassion to those in need.
Be part of this movement that is sharing God’s love with those in need. Please give generously on Souper Bowl Sunday.
People Helping People Holiday Program Thank Yous
This is a belated, but sincere thank you to everyone at BPC who contributed to the Thanksgiving baskets, bought pjs, underwear or sweatshirts, volunteered at the Wish Tree, bought gifts for children, and/or picked up or sorted gifts.
There were 82 families with 173 children who participated in the holiday program. Each child received underwear, pajamas, sweatshirt, 4 wishes, hat and gloves and books as well as throws and generic toys. 33 Burlington High School children received gift cards. Over 2000 gifts were sorted.
Without the support of our church, this would not have been possible, so THANK YOU ALL!!
Linda Roscoe (BPC rep to the PHP Board)
Presbyterian Church in Burlington 