Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith

Prayer for the Bertetto Family

A few days after Leo broke his arm in a bicycle accident, his sister Hallie broke her leg on the trampoline.  It is very hard for a little girl to understand the restrictions that have suddenly befallen her.  Parents (John and Lynn) and grandparents are doing their best, but they cannot give what they most want—to turn back the clock and undo the accidents.  We offer our prayers for both children—and for their parents and grandparents.  Both children are expected to recover just fine.  But the pathway there is painful in more ways than one.  Lord, have mercy.

A Trio of Pastors

I’ve had the opportunity the last 24 hours to talk with both my predecessor and my successor.  Mike Fender has been going through an unusual spell of health problems.  His doctors have determined that he needs surgery on his spine to relieve severe pain in some parts of his leg and numbness in other places.  That surgery is scheduled for the end of this week.  But this past week he developed full-on respiratory flu.  Which puts him in limbo for the surgery.  I’ll keep you posted as I hear from him—but prayers on his behalf are needed and welcomed.

Meanwhile, Pastor Bill Wiggs and his wife Becky were in town today to have lunch with the staff, followed by a long conversation with Kat Pound (our executive administrator) and myself afterward.  Not every pastoral transition goes smoothly.  But among the three of us, cooperation, mutual respect, and careful listening are notable. I am deeply grateful to both Mike and Bill for their dedication and diligence in making sure we pastors are all working together to make these transitions (two in six months) as smooth and healthy as possible for the congregation.  If any of you have any concerns or anxieties—or see something you think we might be missing, please communicate with me.  Pastor Bill will become the 71^st pastor of our church on July 1.  

Meanwhile the 70^th pastor is trying to be as nice as possible to Janet Roney, our church historian, in hopes she will put a positive spin into the chapter she will write about him.

Save the Dates

More details to come, but keep the following dates on your calendar:

June 3—Retired Teachers Brunch, sponsored by the United Women of Faith, noon

June 28—Send off lunch for the incumbent pastor—noon

Saturdays mornings in June (6, 13, 20, 27)  Vacation Bible School