Two weeks ago, I received some shocking news: my beloved grandson, Ethan, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and would undergo immediate brain surgery at UCLA Medical Center.  The next day, I was

on a flight to California to offer support to my son and his family. I barely had time to call a few of you and ask you to "cover" for me.  I feel truly blessed, and rather overwhelmed, by the response.

This church family did everything I could have hoped for - both as your pastor and as a person in crisis.  I can't name every person who helped because I don't know about all the people that helped.  I only know that this church family gathered round and did everything that needed to be done here, so I could go and do everything that I could do for my other family.

From all accounts, worship was wonderful in my absence, first with Children's Sunday and then with a special service including a baptism

and Choir Appreciation, and prayers for Ethan and all of us.  The

Deacons sensed, even before I did, that I would need to be gone that second week, and they had a contingency plan in the works.  Two valued colleagues, Cheryl Kerr and Merrie Allen, filled in to lead worship the second Sunday, and I understand that Sally and the choir outdid themselves with wonderful music. 

I was sorry to miss the Flatbreads fundraiser, and I always enjoy the Yard Sale, but I understand they were both great fun and financially successful, thanks to Laura and countless others.  I love to see so many people contributing to make things work, but this time I can just appreciate the stories.

And people even appeared to tend my garden, water during the heat wave, deadhead the flowers, and mow the lawn at the parsonage. 

My grandson's health is a very serious concern.  But the way this church pulled together to help me help him brings me great joy.  It represents exactly what I believe a Christian community should be about - caring

and praying for each other.  Thank you all!