Cultivate Patience

I hope all are enjoying the Christmas season. John and I enjoyed hosting my older sister, her hubby and my parents. All are well and arrived safely back at their respective homes. Mom and Dad are both on the mend. Dad had a follow up yesterday and had his staples removed. Mom is feeling much better since her bout with pneumonia. John and I even visited some of the Cooks yesterday, it was nice to see the “Cookies” (nieces and nephews) and distribute their Christmas books, yes we’re the Aunt and Uncle who give books. Good distraction and a blessing to see some of both sides of our families for the holidays.

In other news, no baby yet. So, it looks like I will be at church tomorrow.  We are celebrating a service of lessons and carols at 11:00am. Looking forward to getting it sing lots of the Christmas hymns and sitting in the congregation with John.

To reduce questions and texts about baby news:
Midwife and I are surprised that I'm not following any family history of "going early."  That's pretty unusual. Also, it looks like JTC may miss his window of being a home birth baby. John and I are sad but working hard at adapting. It's really out of our hands. So, we wait. As Lea Weed told me, ‘every minute we’re one minute closer.’

PS.  For my sanity: We've tried everything to induce labor and I really do not want any more advice. I'm tired. Thank you in advance.

DPS. JTC's due date is January 6, but all involved (me, John and medical peeps) want him to come earlier because he is potentially a big guy. But, he's not late, yet.

One last thing: We will let you know when JTC finally arrives. A church email will go out right away and I will share at some point on the blog, though not probably not immediately. I’ll be a little busy and John doesn’t do the blog.

Cultivate praise reports

Sorry this is a day late, but Dad was discharged from the hospital yesterday! All the doctors signed off and amazingly he was discharged to go home. He will have to go out for PT, but doesn’t need to go stay in a rehab facility. This is huge, and a testament to staying active throughout ones life. Dad was able to walk stairs, which was his test for going home to the condo (3rd floor no elevator). So, Mom and Dad are home, no trouble getting upstairs to the condo yesterday evening. Hopefully, both are resting. Mom has bronchitis so they both need to time to recouperate.  We are all truly grateful!

On baby news in SC, all is well. We had our midwife team appointment yesterday afternoon and are approved for birth whenever Jimmy T wants to come. No more resting with my feet up, so I am baking and walking and doing any last minute prep before baby comes. He’s measuring about 3 weeks ahead of his gestational age and is in the 98-100 percentile for his size. I guess we make big healthy babies. John’s hoping James T will be tall. John and I are ready, perhaps myself even more so, for him to be born! Mom/Mimi said the 15th is a good day. I told the baby that, now we wait and see. I’ll see you Sunday unless we have a newborn! Thank you again to our lay leader Steve and Coleman for being ready to roll Sunday if needed!

Pastor Meg

Cultivate Healing update #5

Tuesday afternoon update... (Mom’s text)

“Dad is doing great all day.  The Neurosurgeon's asst. removed his brain drain.  His headaches are well managed.  We brought him a half calzone and a meatball and some grapes and he ate the biggest meal he's eaten in 3-4 days.  A really good day. He seems himself. Tomorrow it is expected that they will try to get Dad out of bed and standing, maybe walking.”

Mom and Aunt Donna are very pleased with today, it was a boon after a pretty stressful day yesterday. Still praying and praising God!

Thank you!

Pastor Meg

Cultivate Healing (update #4)

Dear ones, if you want the whole story scroll back to the origin post about Dad, “Cultivate Healing” then read through the updates. This will give you the whole story.

Dad had a 2nd surgery today. The early morning scan showed no change and a physical assessment was not as good as Saturday following the initial surgery relieving the pressure. Dad said, “Everything will be fine,” and was making punny jokes with the nurses before they took him to the OR. The surgeon did end up doing then craniotomy (go big or go home) and feels he got most of ‘the massive blot clot.’ He did everything he could to mitigate the risks he took a long time to: clean the area (no infection), dry (no bleeding) and he also gave Dad an extra boost of anti seizure medicine. The next 24 hours are critical and how he wakes up. Mom is hoping to get to see him post-op around 3pm. I will update this post (#4) after we get more post operation information.

We are still optimistic. Aunt Donna and Uncle Al are with Mom and this is also good. Prayers are appreciated.

Update: 3 hours post op, Dad is aware and says he feels like he was “hit by a truck.” Despite a big headache he is aware. This is a big deal. All the nurses and Doctors are happy with Dad. Now we wait for more test results and eventually seeing if he can mobilize.

Cultivate Healing (Update #3)

Super quick Monday update. Dad had a setback Sunday. His blood pressure and CAT scan numbers are elevated .  Here's Mom's text:

Monday update #2... So here's the thing... Dad had so much blood clot from when he fell that it has overwhelmed his body's ability to reabsorb it. The burr holes surgery was very effective bc it allowed the broken down blood to "gush" out and Dr. T even had to introduce fluid into the cavity to push the air out. There is still a lot of old blood clot that is jelly-like and not broken down which his body is now trying to breakdown quickly into the introduced fluid. Hence his tiredness yesterday. Working overtime. We were given 3 treatment options and the option for a craniotomy (cutting out a flap if skull then putting it back with mending plates) on Wednesday was chosen. This will give Dad 3 days to see if his body will reabsorb the clot. If he doesn't have left arm and leg function heading back to normal on Tuesday we will go ahead with the surgery on Wednesday. Unlike burr holes, the surgeon will take off a piece of Dad's skull, be able to see everything and clean it all out. This option has the highest chance of resolving this issue. It also has higher risks, but it is not an uncommon procedure.

Cultivate Healing (Update #2)

Good news!! I'm going to keep this simple and share Mom's texts:

7:46am "Update...we just spoke with a different Neuro Surgery team member (nurse practitioner), the doctor and PA who did Dad's surgery are off this weekend. A different Neurosurgeon and this nurse practitioner will stop by later today to check in on Dad and we will be able to see the before and after CAT scans. She was able to tell us that the notes say that the surgery when extremely well, they were able to evacuate the old blood so well that a drain was deemed unnecessary! Dad is using his left have almost at 100%. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and croissant/egg/bacon sandwich and an apple fritter. Motivation to move the hand!"

(Food backstory, after surgery Dad used his LEFT hand yesterday to grab for pineapple upside down cake on his tray to bring it close to himself to eat. Hooray for his sweet tooth and it was a huge boon for mom to see him do this, hence the fancy breakfast today!)

10:19am "PT and OT were just here together and they facilitated Dad getting HIMSELF out of bed, and walking a short walk in the wing here without a walker! Based on their assessment of his abilities this morning he will likely be able to return home. No rehab facility when discharged by the neuro team and the doctor. Yay! He will need follow-up PT," but this is great news. 

Discharge will be determined by the doctor, no plan/date in place yet. I'll do my best to keep you posted. Also, today is Mom and Dad's anniversary, what a great day for such good news.

~Meg

PT - Physical Therapy
OT - Occupational Therapy
NP - Nurse Practitioner
PA - Physicians Assistant

Cultivate Healing (Update #1)

Mom arrived at the hospital very early this morning (Thursday Dec. 6), to ensure she would be present for doctor's rounds and found Dad's room to be empty, cleaned and made up for a new patient...turning around to the 4-5 staff she said "Where is my husband!"  Yikes!  They quickly told her Dad was moved back to ICU/Trauma last night at 9pm after his CAT scan was read. He had a 25% increase in bleeding. Sounds scary, but he's ok. Moving back to ICU gives him more attention and the surgeon was in twice this morning. Initially, the staff didn't give him breakfast because they thought they might do surgery today...but the surgeon, after examining Dad, decided Dad was fine to wait until tomorrow morning.  Mom reported that the surgeon likes that Dad's condition "has not deteriorated and that his body is liquefying the congealed clot while we wait for the aspirin to clear out. The surgeon said it's good we waited." So, surgery should be early tomorrow morning (7:15am).  Dad's happy because he gets to eat AND more importantly we have a plan. Dad (like most of us) likes to know what the plan is.

The surgery.  Spoiler alert if you're squeamish about medical stuff skip this paragraph!  Mom reports that the surgeon will drill a burr hole and install one drain. After surgery, Dad will return to the ICU which is great because it's a 1:2 ratio (nurse:patient). The first 24-48 hours following surgery he will have to be flat in the bed. He will have a hole in the front of his head and hole in the back; basic physics, air in fluid out. Laying flat means it drains with gravity. The surgeon does not want Dad upright because fast draining could mean embolisms or air bubbles. So the first 24-48 hours Dad will really have to lay flat and behave. Prayers appreciated. Mom joked that they should tie his head down so he doesn't try to pick it up. I wondered about sedation. We shall see. After a few days they will remove the single drain and then we think he'll be able to move around a little. The surgeon may want to keep Dad a few more days beyond drain removal to observe him. Then Dad will have physical and occupational therapy and assess if he can go home or if he will need to go to a short term rehab facility to do therapy. It's not clear (for anyone in this situation) how quickly he will regain function in the left limbs/side sometimes it's quick and sometimes it's a few months. So, the steps after surgery are somewhat unknown...we have to see how Dad is doing after the first few days following surgery.

Prayers are appreciated. Thank you for reading my posts and not bombarding us with lots of questions. Again, I will do my best to keep everyone updated.

Meg

Cultivate Healing

Cultivate healing

So, it’s been awhile since my last post; and like the last post this essay is also about my family and health.  I am not with my folks, but I have permission to share this for friends, family and prayer warriors on the blog. 

Dad is in the hospital with a brain bleed (subdural hematoma). Mom though he had a stroke on Saturday, took him to the ER in their town. Thankfully, their local hospital is a stroke center, fortuitous. It was determined he actually was experiencing a slow, but significant, bleed in the brain. This bleed is most likely a result of a fall he had mid-November; Dad was dreaming about football and fell out of the bed; bumping his head in the adventure. From the local ER, Dad was transferred via ambulance to the larger city hospital about an hour away from home. Thankfully, this larger hospital is a ranked hospital for treating brain bleeds. He’s in the right place. 

Dad will be in the hospital for awhile, he took aspirin* before he and Mom went to the hospital; which we are waiting to get out of his system. (We learned it takes 5-7 days for aspirin to process out of the system.) The neurosurgeon is optimistic and thinks surgery will be perhaps Friday. Dad is experiencing left side weakness and coordination issues;  he is cognitively fine. In fact, after waiting in trauma 2 in the ER at the big hospital most of Saturday he demanded a room so he could watch the Ohio State football game, something we took as a good sign. The surgery is routine, though they will be drilling a hole in his skull to relieve the pressure. After this procedure he will need to lay flat and still for 2-3 days. Then, he will continue physical therapy (they have already started this before surgery). After surgery and the 2-3 days in the hospital, Dad may need to go to a rehab facility as Mom and Dad’s condo is on the 3rd floor, no elevator. Overall though, Mom says "it’s all good." Dad’s prognosis is pretty optimistic; relieving the pressure should result in normal function though it may take a few days to a few months to regain physical strength in the left side. 

Mom is a trooper and as a result of this “excitement” rescheduled her final breast cancer reconstruction surgery for mid February. She is understandably disappointed but as she is stable this is a logical choice. Hopefully, Dad will be more recovered by then, and I (or one of my aunts) might even be able to go and help. 

John and I continue to await the eminent arrival of baby James T’s; though, we hope he will wait until at least the end of his week 37, which would be December 16. The baby is healthy and measuring big. I’ve experienced some Braxton Hicks practice contractions and am consequently trying to take it easy and not be stressed (ha, ha)!  We are fortunate even in the midst of a difficult year for my family to have a blessing to celebrate. We are also grateful for the excitement and support of our church family around our son. 

I’ll keep you posted. Mom does not want this on Facebook, but I can share on the blog so check back once in awhile for posts. I’ll do my best. 

Thank you for your prayers! 

PS. Dad does not have a phone in his room. You can send cards to the condo, Mom is commuting back and forth to the hospital and she can carry any notes to him.

                                           

Cultivate Hope

Cultivate Hope

It’s been a stressful few weeks, but also it has been a very hopeful few weeks. Sounds like a Dickens novel, “it was the best of times it was the worst of times.” So, as not to be melodramatic let me elucidate. 

My family found out that my mother had bilateral breast cancer in August. We had a saga with insurance but thankfully short version of the long story it worked out. Mom had surgery 2 weeks ago. I flew to Florida to be with her (and Dad) in the hospital and at home. It was stressful, but I’m deeply grateful I could be there. My congregation was supportive of my absence, two local pastors covered in case of ministerial crisis and it was a gift to just go focus on my parents. Mom did very well, she’s impressive and we got the preliminary news the day of surgery that she would likely not need further treatment (other than recovery from a double mastectomy and reconstruction). Praise God! Note, since then (today actually) the doctor confirmed Mom will not need any chemo or radiation. Hallelujah! Also, since my aunts and sister were coming in waves to care for Mom I was able to head back to Winnsboro and not miss a Sunday in the pulpit. So, things fell into place. God is so good. 

Then we had news of this big hurricane, Florence, that was coming to South Carolina and it was going to be bad. I think the only tv program on when we got back to my folks condo was the weather channel. Stressful to see the news again and again. Next, one of my two flights home was cancelled; I could get to Charlotte but not Columbia. Church members are calling and suggesting I stay in Florida. But the Charlotte leg was still on and John was willing to come to Charlotte; so my Aunt and Uncle took me to the airport while Dad stayed with Mom until Aunt Ginger arrived. Aunt Ginger and I missed each other by less than 30 minutes. Bummer. As we’re driving to the airport I got a text from the airlines saying my flight was delayed, again. Stress. But we continue. I get to security and the agent all but calls down Jesus when she reads my destination...”honey, you sure you want to go there!” I smile and nod. Then, I got the full pat down of my pregnant self in the security line because I’m just lucky I guess. Lit up, something on their monitors. Eventually I get myself sorted and to my gate and the flight is delayed again. Deep breaths. After what felt like 9000 years we board the flight...there are a whopping 14 people. The pilot says prepare for some bumps. Yikes. But, the flight was smooth! The stewardesses were really nice and I had a good audiobook. Though by the time I deplaned and wandered through the Charlotte airport and got to John I was so tired, hungry and relieved that I just cried...poor guy. Like big alligator illogical crying. Doesn’t that response (crying)  to big emotions drive you crazy! But I guess it was just liquid relief. Since it was much later than hoped I’d arrive in Charlotte, we spent the night at my brother in laws house near Charlotte and made it back to Winnsboro the next morning. 

See, what I mean now of the theme of stress and hope. Moments of big worries and moments of divine providence. It is funny, in a very good way, how life not only reminds us we are not in control but also that we are taken care of by something much bigger than us, God. 

Oh and our gender scan was delayed until Monday the 17th...but the appointment happened and baby boy (yes it’s a boy!) looks healthy and happy. Heart, organs and such look good. God is amazing. Our boy is weighed in at 1.8 ounces and measuring about 5 days ahead of his due date. I also think he might be tall because I think from the pictures he’s got big feet. Excited to meet him in about 15 weeks. 

Grateful to be #WINNingwithyou

Pastor Meg 

Cultivate routine

If you read the blog title you might be laughing, because ministry is nothing but routine. That said, I’m starting to feel like I am finding my groove at church. We’re starting a fall Bible Study,  starting Confirmation and it is time to work on the those ever popular charge conference reports. While I may only like 2 of the 3 listed things they are indications of time moving forward and the start of my favorite season...Fall! It’s nice to get into the routine of church life, to be able to plan ahead more than the next Sunday. I’m feeling settled enough to look at the church calendar seasonally, even planning for Advent already and that is a comforting thing.

John and I are getting settled into the parsonage. Not all the pictures are hung nor is all the furniture in the ‘right’ place but it’s beginning to feel like home. We like Winnsboro. Small town life is nice. It’s good to be able (when it’s not too hot!) to walk to work. We’re enjoying getting to know our neighbors and feeling like home is a retreat not another part of work (a definite perk to the parsonage not being on campus or right next to the church.) John has started the fall semester at USC and is enjoying his course load. He has four classes this semester several of which are pretty big (300+). I enjoyed having him home for his break between summer classes and this fall,  but I think he’s happy to be back teaching. It’s his calling and I have to share him.

I’m looking forward to the Big Grab Sale, a 50 mile yard sale in which First UMC is a big participant. It’s been amazing to watch all the volunteers and efforts for this huge fundraiser. It’s September 7 and 8th. Here’s the website link for the whole event: http://www.biggrabyardsale.com/
I cannot wait to witness the event first hand.

That same weekend (Sunday, September 9) Rev John Holler Jr. president of Epworth Children’s Home is preaching and will be delivering the orders of the famous Epworth Ice Cream! Check out the church newsletter to learn more about ordering ice cream or call the church office.

September is also when we find out baby Cook’s gender...which is something we’re looking froward to finding out. We’re too old for a fancy reveal but we’ll let you know Sunday, September 16. Just in case, dear reader, you don’t know John and I are expecting our first baby sometime around January 6th, 2019.  John’s picked a dinosaur theme for all things baby and asks now how the dinosaur is doing. It’s cute. I’m glad he is excited!

So glad to be #WINNingwithyou

Pastor Meg

Cultivate Light Day 5

Day 5: Question of the day: Can you stay lit? Staying shiny even as you leave, finishing well. Don’t let your light go out.

John 8:12 (NLT) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.”

It’s day 5, it’s friday. Almost done. I hope you are pleased with how far you, your family and this home has come. A light has been lit in the darkness of worries, fears, will we ever finish, does anyone care about me and my family….these darknesses have been sent away in the face of the bright light of Christ. You, and God, are making a difference. As the gospel writer of John says, “you won’t have to walk in darkness because you have the light that leads to life.” Has the light changed you? Has the light changed this home? Has the light changed this family?

I’m confident that this house, family and site team are changed and are beautiful. Truly. “Beauty is not in the face, beauty is light in the heart.*”

I hope this family, this home, this experience on the 40th anniversary year of Salkehatchie...I hope this stays with you. I hope when darkness comes into your life you remember the light of this experience, the skills, friendships and strength you learned. You are people of the light. Finish well and continue to shine your light today AND as you leave. Don’t forget your symbol today. This is something from your job site, something small, something special that will remind you of this time in the light. Tonight we’re going to share these symbols and ask you: How will you remember this time in the light?

*Quote by Kahil Gibran

Prayer: Dear Lord, the creator of light. Help our witness, which is our words, actions and deeds, to reflect the light of Christ at this home, at our camp and all throughout this week.  Amen.

Cultivate Light Day 4

Day 4: Question of the day: Do you glow in the dark? What does it mean to have faith that will glow in the dark? (the big push)

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT) “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not ourselves.”

We talked yesterday about shining God’s light and we learned a new word. Anyone remember? (Coruscate) That word was coruscate, which means to reflect vibrantly or to sparkle. We might not feel as sparkly today. The to-do list for your day may look daunting and dark. It’s true, Thursdays are hard. But we can do hard things!  Second Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT) reminds us that the light within us is contained loosely, so that people can see the light comes from God and not from ourselves.

Ernest Hemingway explains it this way, “We’re all broken, that’s how the light gets in.” I would add that our brokenness also allows the light to get OUT!  We’re here to help not because we’re powerful and have so much to brag about….We help because Christ helped us first! We’re here to work hard because in other circumstances we may be the one needing help.  What kind of help would you want?

I know we’re tired and it may seem like there is still so much to do...let’s lean not on our own strength but on the light that is within us. Allow God’s light to shine through your brokenness. Can you glow in the dark? Persist. God has got this.

Prayer: Dear Lord, the creator of light. Help our witness, which is our words, actions and deeds, to reflect the light of Christ at this home, at our camp and all throughout this week.  Amen.

Cultivate Light Day 3

Day 3: Question of the day: How do you illuminate those around you?

Ephesians 5:8-9 (NLT) “For one you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

So it’s hump day...we’re in the thick of it and it might feel dark OR we may begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You are getting there! Our scripture today says that light within us (Christ) only produces what is good and right and true. We’re in the middle of this project and it’s a good time to remember that our work should be good, right and true.

Biblically, the concept of light always involves the removal of darkness. I bet at this point you have removed a LOT of stuff from your family’s house. Have you also removed darkness? Have you brought in the light of love? It’s not just about the work friends, it’s also about the people in this place. Are you a bearer of light? Do you shine? The fancy word for this idea is to coruscate*. Coruscate means to reflect vibrantly or to sparkle. Do you reflect the light of Christ? Do you sparkle?

There is an anonymous quote I want to leave you with it says: “We are stars wrapped in skin, the light you are seeking has always been within.” You have the right stuff, you are in the right place, you are with the right people. You are here for a purpose. Shine the light within you, the light of Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, the creator of light. Help our witness, which is our words, actions and deeds, to reflect the light of Christ at this home, at our camp and all throughout this week.  Amen.

*Coruscate pronunciation: CORE-US-KATE

Cultivate Light Day 2

Day 2: Question of the day: What kind of light are you?

So it’s day two. Wow.  We’re learning more about the jobs we have to do, more about each other and more about our families. I hope you are starting to see the light of Christ in one another. There is a popular gospel tune that says the “Jesus in me loves the Jesus in you.” Your site team is made up of people with different skills, different backgrounds, different life experiences, different levels of patience….you get the picture and the most important thing is that you all have the light of Christ within you. You all have Jesus inside of you. Rumi, a persian poet born in 807AD (and surprisingly one of the most popular poets in the United States today) says “The lamps are different but the light is the same.” We are all different people but we came here because of the same God.

You may think your light small, but it can make a huge difference in other people’s lives. See Matthew 5:15 Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it give light to everyone in the house. Shine God’s light to everyone in this home. Shine light on your team. Shine light on your work. Shine light in your attitude. Shine light in this community. Shine on!

Prayer: Dear Lord, the creator of light. Help our witness, which is our words, actions and deeds, to reflect the light of Christ at this home, at our camp and all throughout this week.  Amen.

Cultivate Light Day 1

This week, July 21-July 28 I am the spiritual director for the Columbia Salkehatchie camp. Since this is a big chunk of my time this week I thought I’d share with my congregation the devotions (which I wrote) the campers will be doing each day on site before they begin working.

Here’s day One:

Day 1: Question of the day: From where do we get light?

It’s day one. We’re all fresh and excited. We have a big job to tackle and we’re ready to jump right in! We’re ready to expose some parts of this house to the light and tear some stuff open. It’s demo day!!!! We are lit!

These feelings of excitement are good and important, but it is also important to remember where our light comes from. Isaiah 60: 19 says No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

Ok, so what does that mean for demo day? Well, it means that our light doesn’t come from our own might. Our energy, our light, our enthusiasm...all comes from God. Ultimately it’s not about us. What we do today is just a start of the glory God will work in this neighborhood through us and through this family.  Sure, we will change the look and functionality of this home, but more importantly we will shine the light of Christ.

So let’s get after it, remembering we are here for God’s glory….a much higher calling than just fixing a house.

Prayer: Dear Lord, the creator of light. Help our witness, which is our words, actions and deeds, to reflect the light of Christ at this home, at our camp and all throughout this week.  Amen.

Cultivate Summer feelings

We're getting more settled into Winnsboro and it's starting to REALLY feel like summer.
My summers for the past 6 years have included Salkehatchie. This week I got to ride around our
beautiful county with Steve McDonald to visit the 11 Salkehatchie sites and hand out popsicles.
There is something so reassuring in the ritual of bringing popsicles (something I’ve done at every
SC church I’ve worked at) to a Salkehatchie job site.  

“Hey! Great job! Your roof is looking awesome! Anyone want a popsicle?”
It’s fun and affirming act; something done at camps around our state for the 40 years of Salkehatchie
ministry. This year is the 40th anniversary of Salkehatchie, it's that amazing. Fairfield County is one
of 46 camps around South Carolina this year. That’s a huge impact to our community and to our state.
The world truly is our parish!  I’m proud that First United Methodist Winnsboro is a strong supporter
of the Fairfield County camp.

So, happy summer! Have a popsicle and say a prayer for our Salk campers and the families they are
helping around our county and our state!

#Winning with you!

Pastor Meg

Cultivate Arrival

We have arrived....It has been a joy to move to Winnsboro despite all the inherent unpleasantness of packing and unpacking. Not only did we arrive at a lovely parsonage and a wonderful church; I feel like we have arrived in the sense that we are very lucky to be in Winnsboro. It is a gift to serve a church with people who want to help! I've jokingly said "I have adults now!!" It is a joy to know that ministry is not just the Meg (and John supporting) show. Wow. That is very cool and makes me excited for the potential here at FUMC.  What will ministry look like with a team?  We have arrived!

I'm getting settled into the office with the help of many volunteers. We're getting settled in the parsonage also with the help of many volunteers and my parents who came to help. We still have a few more boxes to unpack, rooms to set up and lots of art to hang but the house is coming together nicely. Some of that settling in John and I just need to live into while being in the house. We're meeting the neighbors. I sincerely think John and I are going to enjoy living in Winnsboro. I did not realize how much I missed small town life until we moved.  

Already WINNing with you!

Pastor Meg

Cultivate the Move

This is going to be a quick post. We’re back from Catawba Salkehatchie...it was a HOT and successful week. The Epworth kids were amazing and the 2 staff were even more impressive. It was also a joy to visit our Pleasant Hill UMC family. (John grew up at Plesant Hill UMC and I worked there for 2.5 years before I came to Epworth.) It was good week but John and I are exhausted. The last Sunday at Epworth was great, the kids signed my minion stole and that was a special (if bittersweet) moment.

We’re now really in the throws of moving...boxes are everywhere! I must admit I’m a little bit over this stage; I’m ready to be settled.  Work is happening to the Epworth parsonage so we’re balancing several worker folk as well as putting things in boxes. This week, I’m prepping the bulletin, the sermon for Sunday and finishing up the VBS curriculum tweaks. John is back to teaching; summer classes started today. Busy busy, but still trying to carve out a few minutes here and there to breathe deep, prepare for the move, the new start and listen for God’s guidance.

We’re on target to move July 6 and I will commute to the office July 2nd and 3rd.  I plan to set up the office Monday and hopefully start some visiting. We’ll see!

Love to all. I cannot wait for Sunday July 1! Looking forward to WINNing with you!

Pastor Meg
#theCooksWinn

Cultivate Aloha

You may have read the title for this post and thought where is she going? Aloha? Well, my folks have been in Hawaii this week, visiting my sister and her family who are stationed there. (Go Navy!) I’ve seen a lot of gorgeous pictures and heard a good amount of “Aloha!” According to the Oxford Dictionary, “Aloha” is the Hawaiian word used when greeting or parting from someone. Aloha fits. John and I are in a season of aloha both greeting and parting. This week we attended Annual Conference where new appointments were fixed by the Bishop making our move to First UMC Winnsboro official-official. Thursday, we attended an incredible minion-themed going away party at Epworth with the campus, volunteers and staff. It was sweet and touching. We are saying goodbye and hello. Aloha makes it sound simple though I know it is more complicated. It’s odd to be both sad to leave and very excited to start something new. Sentiment aside, I move forward remembering what Bishop Holston reminded us, God goes with us. And I lean into my assurance and trust that this move is in a God’s plan for Epworth and First UMC Winnsboro and that is something to be excited about.

Thankfully, we don’t have too much time to sit and ponder between packing, cleaning, and gearing up for Catawba Salkehatchie. The big mission trip which is in one week! Organizing 7 youth is keeping me very busy and makes me most grateful for the 2 outstanding Epworth staff who are also going to Salk this year. As well as the flexibility of the Catawba Camp director! And don’t worry, John will be coming to Salk too, he works in the kitchen at the Catawba camp with his twin brother (and many more amazing folks) taking good care of all of us campers. The food at the Catawba camp is truly something to write home about...the food alone may be why 3 of the 7 youth are attending this year! It is also a camp that accommodates food allergies, which makes it perfect for me to bring teams to. Pleasant Hill UMC, the host church, is where I served as the Director of Christian Education etc. before coming to Epworth as well as being John’s childhood church...so it’s a bit like going home to head to Catawba Salkehatchie. Side note: I met, and got to know, John at Columbia Salkehatchie not at Pleasant Hill; though I had pretty much met his whole family before I met him!

Speaking of home, this Sunday is homecoming Sunday at Epworth. I look forward to seeing the alumni and hearing Rev Holler preach the sermon...a rare treat to not preach on a Sunday. It’s been a season of big Sundays and busyness between graduation, homecoming, Salkehatchie and well moving! And I know starting at FUMC will be a big season between welcome Sunday, Fairfield Salkehatchie and VBS. I hope you’re ready! First UMC I look forward to “WINNing” with you!

Pastor Meg
#TheCooksWinn

Cultivate Preparedness

Today is May 31st, John and I have been married 4 years. We, like crazy young people, got married the day before Annual Conference four years ago and you guessed it, spent our honeymoon in Florence,SC at Annual Conference. Romantic, right? (We knew nothing!) I stood up in the pastor’s meeting Sunday night and corrected the Bishop (oh my!) to tell him my new married name. I was commissioned that year as a provisional Elder in the SC conference of the United Methodist Church and 3 weeks after Annual Conference we moved to Epworth....what a whirlwind.

Now, we’re in the midst of what feel like another happy whirlwind. John is coordinating with the movers, packing all the things, talking to Donnie (chair of trustees) about the mold situation (so grateful, we know mold remediation is a process and expensive...thank you), he’s supervising the plumber at the Epworth parsonage (yes we’re still having some plumbing inconviences) and preparing us for another trip to Annual Conference- preparation that is more than packing clothes but also meal planning/food since we don’t often risk eating out with my allergies and it’s cheaper. Go John, go! He’s also starting to prepare for summer session 2 at USC when he’ll resume teaching. He starts the Monday of moving week. I’m coordinating Epworth’s Salkehatchie team (7 teens, 2 staff and me), researching for the projects at my site (I’m a site leader this year), planning for Graduate Sunday, Homecoming Sunday, my last Sunday and looking ahead to Vacation Bible School at Winnsboro (Rolling River Rampage, July 29-August 1, 6:00pm-8:00pm). And yes, I’m packing too.  I guess it’s good to be busy!

By the way, it looks like we will move into the Winnsboro parsonage some time the week of July 3-6. This is a little later than usual (UMC pastors in SC will all move on June 27th) but this is because the mold is being remediated. Thank you. We’re also blessed that Rev. Holler, Epworth president, is allowing John and I to stay in the Epworth parsonage an extra week. This saves a great deal of moving stress and expenses since we will not need to store our things, stay in a hotel or need to figure out living without a kitchen. God is so good, this remediation (admittedly something that doesn’t feel positive) gives us extra time. In all things God works for good! Time to set up the office and a little bit of recovery time after Salkehatchie (June 16-23). Rather than moving the week after Salk we get a little rest before the big move to Winnsboro.  But don’t worry it won’t be all rest! I will commute to Winnsboro the first week of July from Epworth.

Speaking of busy, in June I will start a short term transition clergy coaching training to help me start on my very best foot at FUMC Winnsboro. Transitioning from Epworth Children’s Home to a traditional church is a pretty big pastoral shift. Epworth has been a natural extension of my previous 15 years of Christian Educator experience, ECH is a much different setting than a traditional church. I want to “get it right” as I move to a broader arena of ministry at Winnsboro. This is one idea that came out of the pastoral transition retreat which I got to attend with Lea Weed last week. I’ve also been working on my sermon and plans for Sunday, July 1; day 1 at FUMC Winnsboro. We’re down to 4 Sundays...wow!

FUMC, I look forward to WINNing with you!  #theCooksWinn

Pastor Meg

*want to know more about my allergies, check out my “Cultivate Introductions” post.

Cultivate Readiness

Six more weeks at Epworth, six weeks until I start at First UMC Winnsboro. Time is moving both slowly and quickly. When I look at packing time has slowed down; I wonder are we making any headway!? When I look at what still needs to be done at Epworth time is flying. Trinity Sunday, Graduate Sunday, Annual Conference, Homecoming, Salkehatchie and my last Sunday at Epworth Memorial. It's a sprint. John is diligently packing at the house while I'm finishing up at Epworth Memorial. Before you feel bad for him, I've already packed about half the house and most of my office. He's quickly outpacing me though in the packing productivity. He has coordinated with movers, with Barbara Martin and handled the changing of addresses. Where would I be without the detail guy?

We got some news this week on the Winnsboro parsonage, it didn't pass the mold inspection. While this is bad news, the good news is it will be remediated before we move in. It's a blessing, though a curveball. John and I are grateful the house will be taken care of.

At the Epworth parsonage, we're still experiencing inconvenient plumbing issues which started about a month ago when the city updated the sewer line updates. The front yard I have worked hard on for 4 years is all torn up and they may have to cut into the driveway. Sigh. Doesn't everything always seem to happen at the same time?  Looking for the silver linings (Pastor Pamela will have great plumbing) and trying not to lose my sense of humor (the new grass may now be greener for all the umm.... "natural" fertilizer).

Tomorrow, Lea Weed and I will head to the Pastoral Transitions retreat with the Columbia District out at Mount Horeb UMC. I look forward to the training, insights and hanging out with Lea Weed!  I'll report more on that training later.

Still looking forward to "WINNing" with you!

Pastor Meg

#theCooksWinn

Cultivate Expectancy

Not too much to post about this week. We’re still packing. John finished up classes and final exams at USC, so he’s switching from teaching mode to packing and coordinating the move mode.  A greatly appreciated shift as we’re heading into a busy season before our move to Winnsboro. John and I are trying to be pretty much packed by Annual Conference since I know the last 3 weeks of June will FLY. Especially, as the week before the move we’re both heading to Catawba Salkehatchie with the Epworth Children’s Home team.

My week has been pretty typical. Intern Pastor Faye and I met with the MYF leadership team today (Sunday) to help equip them to lead in the midst of this pastoral transition. I am proud of this select group of high schoolers and how they are stepping up to lead their peers, as well as, their ideas for welcoming Pastor Pamela to Epworth in July. It is often said in ministry that we plant seeds for trees whose shade we will never sit under. It’s nice to get a glimpse of that shade in the hearts and minds of these young leaders.  (Photo: The big tree on the circle at Epworth by the church. It is interesting to ponder the history this tree has seen!)

Tomorrow (Monday), I’m looking forward to meeting Julie Barfield and several of the leaders at FUMC as well as meeting with the VBS team. VBS, I can’t wait! First United Methodist Church, I look forward to WINNing with you!  #theCooksWinn

Pastor Meg

Cultivate Introductions

The day finally came! Sunday was our introductory visit. John and I drove to Winnsboro and met with the District Superintendent (DS) and the SPRC committee. DS Rev. Dr. Cathy said she “saved the best for last” as I was her final introductory visit in the district. We shared a devotion, snacks and I got to hear some of the most wonderful testimonies about the church in the lives of the members of the SPRC Committee. Stories of growing up in the church, coming to the church by more winding routes, the joys of belonging to a faithful community/family and the support each person had received through not only a relationship with Jesus Christ but with the church as Christ’s body. I get the distinct impression, FUMC is a place that loves well. 

John and I enjoyed touring the church (the sanctuary is gorgeous) and seeing the parsonage (also lovely). We feel warmly welcomed not only by the church but also by Pastor Julie and Travis. I think it is a blessing to follow well-loved folks. 

I got to field some questions, one of which was about my allergies. I groaned inwardly because I do not want to be defined in ministry by an allergy but, Barbara Martin assures me that folks need to know so they can love us well. So, here you go. Hi, my name is Meg and I have celiac disease. I also have an anaphylactic reaction to eating wheat. I bump elbows and give side hugs. I have to watch out for hidden sources of gluten, like lipstick and makeup. So, while I’m happy to hug you, and I love people very much, please don’t kiss me. Also, try to aim your hands for clothes rather than my skin as I have had a skin reaction to gluten; on that note a great time to hug your Pastor is Sunday morning as I’ll be almost fully covered by my preacher robe. It’s kind of like pretty armor. I’m a fan of the ministry appropriate side-hug since our faces won’t bump. Feel free to invite me (and John) to lunch or dinner, give us a heads up and don’t be surprised if I pack a lunch bag. I love to socialize and John packs the best bag lunches!  Thankfully, I can be next to someone eating wheat; the joke is just don’t lick me or touch me. The only type of places that are really hard to visit are places where there is flour in the air (like: bakeries, pizza places that make their own dough, etc). Also, John is allergic to nuts, his allergy is not a severe reaction, but please keep him healthy too...He is kinda important to me! 

Some more interesting facts about your pastoral family...John and I will be married 4 years May 31st. John grew up in Fort Mill and Indian Land. John’s parents were teachers and two of the 4 “cookies” (Cook kids) are teachers as adults. I’m from a small town outside Buffalo, NY (Elma). When I was growing up, Elma was a rural place with more cows than people. By comparison, Winnsboro is pretty big city! I’m also one of 4 kids, I’m the 3rd kid, if birth order is of interest to you. We are both lifelong United Methodists. My parents chaired everything at church and John’s Dad played the organ at Pleasant Hill UMC. Church kids through and through. I went to Ohio Wesleyan for undergrad (BA History), Pfeiffer University (MA Christian Education) and The Methodist Theological School in Ohio aka. MTSO (M.Div.). So, because of my time in Ohio (and the fact my Father got his PhD there) I’m a Buckeye fan, especially football. O-H! John went to Clemson for undergrad and graduate school (Physics and Astronomy), and now teaches physics at USC. John is not a big sports fan, so we don’t have to worry about that rivalry, but he will watch the Olympics especially curling. 

Can’t believe our move is 8 weeks away! I look forward to WINNing with you! #theCooksWinn

Pastor Meg

Cultivate the handoff

“Pastoring a church is not getting a trophy to keep; it is getting a baton to pass.” Bruce Miller

“How fast you run will keep you in the race; how well you hand off will win it!” Coach Casey

These quotes from The Changeover Zone by Jim Ozier & Jim Griffith have stayed with me as I’ve met with Pastor Julie, the current pastor at First UMC Winnsboro, and as I have talked on the phone with Pastor Pamela, who will start at Epworth in July. This is an important time, this is the handoff zone. When I was on the High School track team. (Go Iroquois Chiefs!) I was primarily a field events competitor (shot-put and discus) but I remember running a few 4x100s. This is a relay race where each girl runs 100 meters or 1/4 of the track. The few times I ran I was the 3rd leg position. As the runner rounds the corner with the baton the recieving runner also needs to be running so the team does not lose momentum on the hand off. Then the receiver throws their hand back with their palm open, thumb out of the way, the baton is smacked into their hand and off they go. This is the season I am in. Running with my hand open, trying not to let anything get in the way, ready to receive the baton...interestingly I’m also the runner coming in to hand off the baton. Finish well. Start well. No stress, right? Kidding aside, I am excited to be in this season of preparation. It is becoming a time of “leaning not on my own understanding” but trusting the coach (God).

As far as some of the logistics, the packing has begun in full earnest...the office and at our parsonage. I think about half the stuff we own is now in boxes! John is wrapping up the semester in the next week or so. John is a physics instructor at USC. Then he will really ramp up his packing efforts. I am trying to think of all the little things Pastor Pamela will need to know as she starts at Epworth, just as Pastor Julie is doing the same for me. I’m also preparing for Catawba Salkehatchie; Epworth is sending 8 residents, 2 staff and myself. I ask for continued prayers that all transition well (the pastors and congregations) and for encouragement in this next chapter of ministry.

First UMC Winnsboro, I looking forward to WINNing with you!  #theCooksWinn

Pastor Meg

Cultivate Change

Well, announcements have been made and change is upon us. I have 10 more weeks to serve as the pastor at Epworth Children's Home before John and I embark on a new chapter.

The Cook's are moving to Winnsboro, SC at the end of June! I have been appointed to serve as the pastor at First UMC Winnsboro. We are excited John can continue to teach Physics at USC; Winnsboro is about a 40 minute drive to the Columbia USC campus.

This change is exciting, bittersweet and so many more emotions.  I will miss the kids.  I have loved with my whole self serving at Epworth. Epworth is an amazing place where God is visibly at work. So much history and I have loved being connected to ALL the United Methodist Churches in South Carolina. Those who know me know that I love it when everyone can be involved. I'm an includer.

Ministry at Epworth Memorial UMC has been beautiful, inspiring, hard and oh so rewarding. My understanding of theology and God has been tempered, forged by some of the harder questions of life. Epworth has also been comfortable; as it is a natural extension of my Christian Education background. Before being appointed to Epworth, I served 15 years as a United Methodist Christian Educator. I have both a Masters of Christian Education and a Masters of Divinity. And while I'm torn, I told John it feels like I'm leaving part of my heart behind, I'm also excited about First UMC. This will be a new kind of adventure. It is a shift away from Christian Education to looking at the whole church. It will be fun to serve a typical congregation with grown ups, families, committees, musicians, a choir, a secretary and a janitor. Somebody pinch me!

I'm excited about the new role, new adventure and new friends we will make along the journey. I'm eager to start. I have so much to learn about what God is already doing at First UMC.

Oh, I came up with a hashtag for our move (and time at First Winnsboro):  #theCooksWinn 

Attitude determines your altitude....and John and I are choosing to look at this move as a win!

First UMC, I looking forward to "winning" with you!

Pastor Meg