April 14, 2024

Dear All,

It has been two weeks since Easter Sunday. So my question for you this day is, “Have you seen the Lord” during these past 14 days? If not, keep looking as he is busy doing his thing here on earth. And for those of you who have seen the Lord, give thanks for the eyes to see and the ears to hear.

During our lives we earn and grow in wisdom through challenges and opportunities. One of the pieces of wisdom I carry with me each day is that those around me may be carrying burdens I know nothing about. That each of us continue to live through each day endeavoring to maintain normalcy in public while struggling inside. Whether it be a health issue, or a relationship gone sour; a financial disruption or family challenges, a death or who knows what. Which means we need to respect and care for each person we meet not knowing what is going on inside of their heads or hearts.

And if they share their news, it can be a challenge to find the right word to say or find the right supportive action to take. Particularly if the news is gut-wrenching. More often than not, I have found the best response to give is “How can I be supportive?” or “Please let me know if you need anything.” And then I always ask permission to add the person to my prayers. These responses are supportive and yet respect the person’s need to discern what will be most helpful and maintain some sense of control.

And I say all of this because of the news I now share that Gary Ashby, husband of our music minister, Stephanie Gewirtz, is under hospice care and journeying toward death. The choir was informed of this last week. Our immediate response is to help as much as we can because we want to make it better and we just cannot. But instead, we add Gary, Steph, and his family to our prayers. We send cards and emails. We offer in an email any way we can be supportive.

For those of you whose loved ones died under hospice care, you know it can be an overwhelming time with family coming and going; friends and hospice aides arriving at all hours, all while trying to establish some new sense of normalcy and peace. Steph will be here on Sundays to play for our services but will be taking time away during the week to care for Gary.

To care for Steph in the best way possible, please share your thoughts with her via email or note card. She will be here on Sundays to work with the choir, play the service and shoot out the door back home. Our best gift to her is to give her, Gary, and the family the space and privacy needed during this time.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+