Support through Unexpected Changes

I cannot thank you, the members and friends of Marble Memorial United Methodist Church for all the prayers, love and support this month. As many of you know my mom died, unexpectedly, July 3rd. While my family and I miss her on this earth we are glad she is eternally with God. She had a strong faith in God for which I am grateful. The prayers, cards, e-mails, texts, hugs and other ways you supported me is very appreciated. The beautiful flower arrangement from the congregation was beautiful and also appreciated. There were so many other ways you showed your love and support: donations in her memory, allowing our Administrative Assistant, Lisa ,to take time away from the office and go in my place on the mission trip, Lisa doing a week’s worth of work in two days and then going on the trip, those who came all the way to Kalkaska for the service, and brought me my prescription eye drops, being okay with my tears in worship and at other times as I grieve and the time away after her death to name a few. Death from this earth is something we know will happen. Yet, when it happens to someone we love, especially a mom, it hurts our hearts and changes our lives no matter what we believe.

Many of you also know my dad fell two weeks after my mom died. He was pull starting his leaf blower, which he has done many, many times. This time he fell forward breaking a vertebra in his neck. He will be in a neck brace for 10-12 weeks. While that will not be fun it could have been so much worse! Once again, I was away so I could be with him while he was in the hospital in Traverse City. Because he is in a neck brace, he will be with my sister most of this time but he will also be at his home in Kalkaska with my brother for a few days and with me here in Milan.

Your prayers for healing for my dad and for all of my family as we adjust to one permanent ‘new normal’ without my mom and one temporary ‘new normal’ while my dad is in a neck brace are appreciated.

Also, thank you for the prayers for my healing when I had laser eye surgery due to glaucoma between the above two events. The surgery seemed to have helped and I don’t see the eye doctor again for four months! God’s healing powers are amazing.

​We were to begin a new worship series on July 21st. That series, “The Art of Neighboring”, will now begin August 4th. Who is your neighbor? Do you know your neighbor? Why is it important to know your neighbor? 

​See you Sunday –and invite someone!

- Pastor Jackie Roe