For this newsletter, I thought it might be helpful to share a little about my journey with cancer.
I am currently staying at the Hope Lodge in Rochester, a facility sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The Hope Lodge provides free lodging for people receiving radiation treatment who live more than 40 miles from Rochester. In many ways, it is like a motel, with private rooms and bathrooms, but it also offers a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, laundry facilities, and comfortable common areas where guests can gather for meals and conversation. It is located just three blocks from the treatment center, making it an easy walk for daily appointments. There are about 30 rooms, and every guest stays here at no cost.
Wednesday evenings are potluck dinners, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet others who are walking a similar journey. Last Wednesday, after dinner, six young Mennonite women shared an evening of music with us. Their beautiful songs lifted everyone's spirits.
Afterward, I asked one of the young women why they volunteered their time. She explained that, in addition to singing at the Hope Lodge, they regularly volunteer at Mayo Clinic, helping wherever they are needed, from cleaning to other support tasks. They spend six months here before returning home to their families and everyday lives.
Her simple response to my question has stayed with me: "We are here to give back to the community."
Those words made me think about First Lutheran.
Beginning this fall, First Lutheran will be opening its doors to offer a preschool experience for families in our community. It is another way we are giving back. Throughout our history, First Lutheran has found countless ways to serve our neighbors, sharing God's love through acts of care and compassion.
What other opportunities might God be placing before us? How can we continue to imagine new and meaningful ways to serve? We are limited only by our willingness to dream and to respond.
Can First Lutheran become a "Hope Lodge" for our community—a place where people find hope, encouragement, and caring hearts?
I believe it can.
Ted
I am currently staying at the Hope Lodge in Rochester, a facility sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The Hope Lodge provides free lodging for people receiving radiation treatment who live more than 40 miles from Rochester. In many ways, it is like a motel, with private rooms and bathrooms, but it also offers a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, laundry facilities, and comfortable common areas where guests can gather for meals and conversation. It is located just three blocks from the treatment center, making it an easy walk for daily appointments. There are about 30 rooms, and every guest stays here at no cost.
Wednesday evenings are potluck dinners, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet others who are walking a similar journey. Last Wednesday, after dinner, six young Mennonite women shared an evening of music with us. Their beautiful songs lifted everyone's spirits.
Afterward, I asked one of the young women why they volunteered their time. She explained that, in addition to singing at the Hope Lodge, they regularly volunteer at Mayo Clinic, helping wherever they are needed, from cleaning to other support tasks. They spend six months here before returning home to their families and everyday lives.
Her simple response to my question has stayed with me: "We are here to give back to the community."
Those words made me think about First Lutheran.
Beginning this fall, First Lutheran will be opening its doors to offer a preschool experience for families in our community. It is another way we are giving back. Throughout our history, First Lutheran has found countless ways to serve our neighbors, sharing God's love through acts of care and compassion.
What other opportunities might God be placing before us? How can we continue to imagine new and meaningful ways to serve? We are limited only by our willingness to dream and to respond.
Can First Lutheran become a "Hope Lodge" for our community—a place where people find hope, encouragement, and caring hearts?
I believe it can.
Ted