UPDATE 08-01-17 @ 8:00 pm -- for Pastor Tom Higgins (edited)
Our pastor, friend, relative and colleague Pastor Tom Higgins continues on a medical seesaw still after 10 weeks in the hospital. He continues to deal with infection and other medical issues. Tom remains seriously ill with the doctors juggling his multiple risk factors with no guarantees.
The more positive news Pastor Tom asked about a number of people and situations by name and is exceedingly grateful for the continued prayers. He introduced me to several of his healthcare team, identifying me by name and saying, "She is my Pastor." He sends his grateful thanks to all at St. John UCC High Hill, Immanuel UCC Ferguson and Immanuel UCC Wright City and said he feels the prayers and care being offered on his behalf. He is working to sort through all that has happened and to remember/learn which events occurred and what "memories" are medication induced dreams. It is a confused and confusing time for Tom yet his strong faith shines through as he rests in God's steadfast love with absolute trust.
We shared scripture and prayer together. I brought communion elements however the timing of a medical procedure and sedation afterward left our communion today in shared presence and care. Hopefully when I visit Thursday we can celebrate Our Lord's Supper in the traditional way..
Tom enjoyed hearing comments left on facebook and the Immanuel Wright City website and knows what cards are received even if he feels too overwhelmed to have them all read to him. Hopefully his health issues will turn around but for now Carol Pohl, his Medical Power of Attorney advises me the "no visitors" remains in effect.
Know Pastor Tom feels your care and thoughts and prayers, drawing strength and hope from them. It is an incredible honor to serve as Tom's pastor in these days. Know each act of ministering unto him is offered as one representative of the many who are there for and with him in spirit.
May our gracious and generous God hold your spirits close along with Tom's as we continue to share the journey trusting our Gently Strong Creator who loves Pastor Tom, and each of us, beyond our imagining.
In Christ's Love, Pastor Dianna Niemann-Harris
Our pastor, friend, relative and colleague Pastor Tom Higgins continues on a medical seesaw still after 10 weeks in the hospital. He continues to deal with infection and other medical issues. Tom remains seriously ill with the doctors juggling his multiple risk factors with no guarantees.
The more positive news Pastor Tom asked about a number of people and situations by name and is exceedingly grateful for the continued prayers. He introduced me to several of his healthcare team, identifying me by name and saying, "She is my Pastor." He sends his grateful thanks to all at St. John UCC High Hill, Immanuel UCC Ferguson and Immanuel UCC Wright City and said he feels the prayers and care being offered on his behalf. He is working to sort through all that has happened and to remember/learn which events occurred and what "memories" are medication induced dreams. It is a confused and confusing time for Tom yet his strong faith shines through as he rests in God's steadfast love with absolute trust.
We shared scripture and prayer together. I brought communion elements however the timing of a medical procedure and sedation afterward left our communion today in shared presence and care. Hopefully when I visit Thursday we can celebrate Our Lord's Supper in the traditional way..
Tom enjoyed hearing comments left on facebook and the Immanuel Wright City website and knows what cards are received even if he feels too overwhelmed to have them all read to him. Hopefully his health issues will turn around but for now Carol Pohl, his Medical Power of Attorney advises me the "no visitors" remains in effect.
Know Pastor Tom feels your care and thoughts and prayers, drawing strength and hope from them. It is an incredible honor to serve as Tom's pastor in these days. Know each act of ministering unto him is offered as one representative of the many who are there for and with him in spirit.
May our gracious and generous God hold your spirits close along with Tom's as we continue to share the journey trusting our Gently Strong Creator who loves Pastor Tom, and each of us, beyond our imagining.
In Christ's Love, Pastor Dianna Niemann-Harris