Update on Pr. Don Henry
The letter below was sent to me this past week by Pastor Don Henry. It briefly shares his health challenges and his request for a three month medical leave of absence. I had to smile when reading of the "few things" Pastor Henry will continue doing during his time of recuperation. He has brought a consecrated concern for people and an unerring sense of detail to his ministry. He continues to be a great blessing to our congregation . . . and to me!
During Pastor Henry's leave of absence, the Pastor of Care duties will be assumed by Pastor Jerry Koch. Pastor Koch has been a partner of Holy Cross since retiring from active parish ministry. He loves the Lord and people and has an energy level of someone half his age. He has done an excellent job in visitation and will continue doing so with his expanded responsibilities.
Pastor Koch can be reached at (260) 442-7114. You are welcome to call the church office with care concerns and visitation requests also.
We are also thankful that Pastor Mark Neubacher will continue assisting in our congregation's ministry of care. I thank God for all three of these "retired" shepherds.
God’s Blessings, Pastor Ahlersmeyer
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am writing to you today to give you many thanks for your prayers, cards, and gifts during my recent hospital stays and ongoing medical treatment.
On May 5th I conducted a Holy Communion Service and preached at St. Augustine.
After the service I began having chills and not feeling well. Becky wanted to take me to the hospital and I refused to go. On Monday afternoon she said you are going and called 911. The ambulance arrived, I had a Temperature of 104. They called for backup from the Fire Department. I was hallucinating and it took 6 men to get me in the ambulance. I was considered to be in critical condition and taken to Parkview.
When everything was diagnosed, I had COVID, a blood infection and heart issues. Along with this came many tests, new doctors and an excellent nursing staff.
Everything is wrapping up now with new medications, doctors, follow-up appointments, labs and whatever else may be needed.
At the recommendation of my Medical Team, I am planning on taking a Medical Leave of Absence until September 1, 2024. I will still do a few things:
a.) St. Augustine Holy Communion Services
b.) Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Breakfast
c.) Stephen Ministry Training
I hope to rebuild my strength, energy and stamina during this time off and be able to return to work in September. May God continue to bless you all during the summer months and thanks for all you do. Don’t forget to say your prayers! They mean a lot!
In His service and yours, Pastor Don Henry
