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Pastor’s Medical Leave

Greetings in the name of Christ,

For those of you who were not in attendance on April 17, I am publishing the announcement I made that Sunday:

Most of you probably know that I was hospitalized late last spring for several days with some chest pain and breathing issues. Since that time I have been undergoing a variety of tests and treatment to find and fix the source of the problem. A nodule was found in my left lung. We are not certain what it is exactly, but it is thought to most likely be some sort of infection that is simply not responding to the medications we have tried. At this point in time my doctors have determined that the best course of action is to surgically remove this nodule and a small section of the surrounding lung tissue. This will remove this “problem spot” and allow them to do further tests to determine exactly what this is and whether or not any further treatment will be necessary.

The plan is for me to have surgery at Froedtert on April 26. They anticipate that I will be out for about four weeks. When I return I will need to ease back into a full-time schedule (breathing is going to be a bit painful for a while as my lung and ribs heal). Because it will be hard for me to talk/breathe, we are asking that there be no visitors.  Sloan will be in contact with Mary and updates will be given to congregation as appropriate.

I want to assure you that plans are/have been made to provide interim coverage in my absence. Lois Buchholz will be providing worship leadership and emergency pastoral care while I am out. The visitation teams, under the leadership of Jeannie Lehmann will continue to visit our home-bound members.  Barb will be in the office as usual. Monday morning Bible study will continue with participants discussing the book of Acts together.

If you have any questions or concerns I would ask that you please direct them to Mary Johnson, who will handle all concerns and/or direct you to the appropriate person/resource. I appreciate your prayers and support during this time.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tara