Gathering in Community

Update on Neil:

Neil and I are experiencing what so many lung transplant recipients have described to us - the transplant roller-coaster.  While Neil's lungs are doing very well, he ended up back in the hospital in the wee hours of Monday morning after 12 hours in the University Hospital ER because of a slight infection in the surgical wound.  Because his immune system is so compromised right now, any infection is worth paying attention to, and the transplant team was indeed paying attention. So good news/bad news - the transplant team didn't take any chances, and Neil ended up inpatient on the transplant floor at University Hospital, San Antonio, Sunday - Tuesday.  We're now home and learning to manage iv antibiotics and wound care.  

Complicating Neil's recovery is his father's decline.  We are very sad to report that Tom Snipes, Sr., is succumbing to small cell carcinoma in his lungs, is now in ICU in Mt. Pleasant, TX, and is declining rapidly.  While we are grateful Neil's siblings are present with Tom, are conveying Tom's shifting status, and are facilitating communication between Tom and Neil, we deeply regret we are not able to be with Tom and the Snipes family during this time.  We appreciate you continuing to hold us in the many ways you pray. 

I also appreciate the Worship Planning Workgroup for taking up leadership of The Gathering worship experiences in my absence and for all the ways you continue to support and participate in The Gathering.  Thank you.

Sunday's Gathering

Worship will be led by Nancy York. She states the theme is related to community. The offering will be designated for Church World Service, the organization with whom we are in community via the school kit and hygiene kit efforts. I recently received this request: 

We are all aware of the disasters that have already occurred this year around the world. In the U.S., hurricane season (officially begins June 1) has made an early start with Tropical Storm Alberto sitting off the Eastern Coast.

Since the beginning of January, CWS has shipped thousands of kits - baby kits, clean up buckets, school kits and hygiene kits to assist people impacted by disasters. Your help is urgently needed to increase supplies that are currently available in the CWS warehouses.  Most needed are baby kits, clean up buckets and school kits.

Our offering will go to further our contribution of 38 school kits. More opportunity to enjoy community will be available by sharing the potluck meal following worship.

Namaste,
Karen