A Personal Note from Pastor Ron
Dear Calvary,
As some of you know, my mother was diagnosed with mesothelioma earlier this year. This is a serious cancer that attacks the lungs. She has been receiving treatment in Portland since her diagnosis. As she began this terrible journey, we found out that one of the top researchers of this rare cancer works at the University of Chicago Hospital. She has received multiple consultations with the team at UofC and made the decision to move near me and my family to continue treatment.
I am glad that my mom has decided to come to the area. Already, people from church have reached out and helped with different aspects of her journey. For this, I am thankful.
This is a new season for me and my family. We will be the primary caregivers to my mom now. COVID-19 complicates this horribly. The infection would be fatal for her if she were to be infected. This means I will have to change the ways I live my life in the days to come and these changes will require your help.
On Sundays I won’t be able to interact as I usually do. Like many of you in a similar situation, I need to be doubly careful. I am planning to preach, often! But please be gracious if I don’t interact. Also, could you help me as well? If someone mentions or says something about me not interacting, could you share what is going on? I would really appreciate it.
In-person meetings will be reduced in this season as well. Though I will be doing some in-person meetings, zoom meeting will be used as much as possible. I want to meet! We will just have to do it virtually.
This is a great opportunity to introduce my new assistant, Cheryl Westercamp. She and her family have been part of Calvary for many years. I am so thankful for her organizational expertise and her love of our vision. If you want to set up a meeting, have a question or just want to say hi to Cheryl, you can reach her at cherylw@calvaryop.org .
Please pray for my mom. We serve a God who heals and gives life. He is also the God who walks with us in the valley of the shadows. Your prayers for her would mean the world. Please also pray for Amy and I and the boys as we enter a new season with challenges ahead. We would be so grateful.
May the God of hope fill you with his life today.
Always hoping,
Pastor Ron
Ron so sorry to hear about your mom! We will be praying for her and your family! I understand stand more then you know as we are going through season ourselves! If you see two people that look like Alan and I (Alan easier to spot as I have no hair lol) when you are at the hospital don’t second guess yep it would be us! I have cancer and am up there every other week for infusion!
Again praying for you all
Lori Furmankiewicz
Ron, Please know that I will continue praying for your mom and for you, Amy and the boys. This is a hard path that you will walking with your mom. Praying that God will provide for your every need! Hugs and love Joann
Thank you for sharing. I will be praying for her, you, and whole family.
Thank you also for hiring Cheryl. A wise move indeed!
Ron, we will definitely be keeping you, your Mom, Amy and the boys in our prayers!
This is a wonderful letter, Ron. Your mom deserves every good thing and I am glad she will be with you guys. God bless you all.
Did not know about your mom Ron.. Al and I will be praying for all of you during this difficult journey. Of course you steer clear and only do what is best for your mom. We will love and support you from afar.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps. 46 .1
You have our prayers and support. Your mother is in the best care with the U of C team and with your family by her side. We will be thinking of all of you.
Dan and Gina