Nancy Gouker and Geoff Brink
| When someone in our community of faith becomes ill or experiences one of life's complicated times, it is a gift to be able to support them in a variety of ways. The people of McFarland UCC have worked together to send cards, make hospital, nursing home and home visits, provide meals, rides, emergency child care, and other ministries as needed. When Nancy Gouker experienced a cascade of health crises in recent years, Geoff Brink was one of her regular congregational visitors. Hear about the experience of congregational care, in their own words: |
Nancy's reflections:
I am so lucky to have such a large support team, from doctors, therapists, hospital care staff and most of all our family and church family. It is still overwhelming when I think about how many hospital visits, many prayers, cards, calls, and meals that were provided. I can't express enough how much it meant to us during my long recovery after surgery last year. We discovered just how truly blessed we are to be surrounded by all the love and care that was sent my way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God's blessings, love and peace to each and everyone.
God's blessings, love and peace to each and everyone.
Geoff's reflections
When visiting a member of our church family at home, in the hospital, or in some other care facility, I always hope that it brings a measure of grace to them and a sense that we care about them. But I underestimated the effect it might have on me personally until I visited Nancy Gouker in the hospital last year. Her unflagging spirit in the face of numerous stays in several hospitals, set-backs followed by recovery, followed by more set-backs made me realize I was in the company of an incredibly strong and faithful person. It made me think about how minor my own challenges were compared to hers. She never failed to smile each time we met, and even laughed at her circumstances. And while I have never considered myself one of those adept at praying in public, it has never been easier to pray for someone than when holding Nancy’s hand and asking for His healing spirit.
Would you like to be part of the ministry of visitation, or take some other role in caring for those who are in distress? Speak with our Care Team coordinators: Geoff Brink, Lisa Ludwig, or Jean Duchrow. If you don't have their contact information, send a note to office@mcfarlanducc.org or call 838-9322.
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