05
Jul 2020
This has been a tough week for me. I don’t like the uncertainty, I don’t like not being able to see and be with the people I love, and I just want this “thing” to end. I feel certain that many of you share these same sentiments. What I do know is that a tiny act of kindness goes an extra long way these days. Both for the giver and for the receiver. So, if nothing else – give someone an ounce of kindness today. Tell those who are dear that you......
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04
Jul 2020
God pulls us toward Him, reminding us that He will be with us and that we do not need to fear. God reminds us that He has "overcome the world". Pour out your concerns to God, as He truly cares for you....
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26
Jun 2020
Hello again! This past week, we had an OWLs Zoom meeting on good neighbor practices in COVID-19 and racism. Wonderful discussion and shared stories resulted. Pastor Susan and I attended a webinar this week from the Southeastern Synod on Senior Care in the midst of COVID-19. I will be sending the recording out to the OWLS members in the Parish Nurse News this week. The webinar featured speakers from the CDC, a counselor who specializes in gerontology, and a parish/faith community nurse. I continue to monitor and track COVID-19 across our county,......
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19
Jun 2020
Greetings from your parish nurse! I pray all of you are well and making wise decisions, even though they are difficult ones to make. Did you remember that Messiah houses a medical equipment lending library? We have straight walkers, rolling walkers, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, shower chairs, and handrails for the bed. Did you know that if you remove the bucket, a bedside commode can be placed over your toilet and provide a raised seat and arms? All of these items are available for lending, free of charge, as part of the Badenhop......
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16
Jun 2020
COME CELEBRATE WITH US! Please join us in a unique, virtual celebration of our refugee communities in East Tennessee—World Refugee Day: Together at Home. You will have the chance to experience the local diversity and contributions refugees make in a unique way—via live online broadcast. There will be client stories, language lessons, fashion and music. Learn to make Ajiaco from Columbia and Mandazi Congo-style, grab a pot or a bucket for an East African drum lesson, try a DIY henna tattoo. There will be music, gardening, community shout-outs to our refugee friends—and, of......
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12
Jun 2020
God’s blessings to each of you! As I watch my container garden grow with yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil, I am reminded of God’s loving care for us. God knows just what my garden needs. Food, water, soil, and light. Just as God knows what each plant needs, He knows what each of you need. Food, both physical and spiritual; water, both physical and transformational; soil, both physical roots and spiritual grounding; and LIGHT, both physical, spiritual, and God’s word. During this time of the unknown, where everything changes day......
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09
Jun 2020
THURSDAY, June 18 OWLS June 18, 2020 at 12 Noon Please join us for the OWLS Zoom Meeting!! We will catch up with each other to start the meeting and then discuss good neighbor practices with COVID-19 and racism. We would like to offer meals for this time. Please RSVP to Mary Sophia by Thursday, June 11, for more information or to register your intent to attend and receive meal. Further instructions will be sent in response to your RSVP. Step by Step Instructions for ZOOM 1) On you computer, tablet or phone, Click on the......
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30
May 2020
Can we have a restart on 2020? Raise your hand if you are in favor? Our 2020 world is in chaos and turmoil. Frustration. Injustice. Loneliness. Anger. Outrage. Violence. Insecurity. Concern. Worry. Heartbreak. Sympathy. Anxiousness. Fear. Exhaustion. And so,so many more emotions. As The Church, we sense our need to be together – and yet we cannot gather in our common, life-giving place of worship. But we can come together as People of God to pray for all those who are hurting and in need of healing. And even for those who......
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29
May 2020
Grace and peace to each of you. As I speak with you, I am continually amazed at your resilience. Please know that this situation will require much more flexibility and resilience as we go forward. I am sure there are days that are beyond difficult. On those difficult days, please reach out to me or Pastor Susan. You are not alone! Even if you live alone, we are all one through Jesus Christ. We are not alone. God is with us. I am grateful to serve at a church that takes a......
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28
May 2020
Dear ones, This has been a difficult week for many of us. It’s hard enough to continue with the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, and adding the horrifying violence of these past days is almost overwhelming. Please know that I am praying for all of you and for all who have been treated unjustly in our world. Please pray for all who grieve this week, and for all the heroes that face danger on the behalf of others. Pray for all whose lives have been scarred by racism and other forms of hatred......
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