Dear Church Family,
               Yet another wrinkle!  My doctor tells me his definition of aging—you get more and more and more stuff.   I seem to be discovering the truth of that. This week I learned that the intense pain in my right leg is a result of deterioration and a tear in my posterior tibular tendon.  It has nothing to do with Parkinson’s but rather is of a product of long standing foot issues and neuropathy.  Healing requires staying off the foot as much as possible and wearing a rather bulky, immobilizing boot.  Plus no driving. 
               The doctor suggested I try to stay off the foot, even when leading worship. So….all this is to ask your indulgence as I try to preach sitting down for a while.  
               This accumulation of medical issues offers an ongoing spiritual challenge, to be sure, to maintain a positive attitude by focusing of what I can do rather than on my diminishments.  The Apostle Paul dealt with what he called his thorn in the flesh, wishing it would go away, but ultimately learning how to trust that “God’s grace is sufficient, his power made perfect  in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
               Worship will be based on Micah 6:6-8 and James 1:22-27.  The sermon is “What Does the Lord Require of You?”  and we’ll sing a hymn with the same title. 
               We had a positive annual meeting last Sunday.  If you missed it copies of the Annual Report are available in Miner Hall.  Thank you for renewing my Designated Term Pastor contract for another year.  We continue to enjoy our friendship and the blessing of serving as your minister.
See you in church,
Rich