Today as we were beginning to have our Palm Sunday service, which begins outside and we process inside for the beginning of the service, our pastor began with a few announcements, customary for how we begin our service. He mentioned the hymn "All Glory Laud and Honor", but stumbled over the words, unusual for him. He spoke a few more words, and then I saw one of the vestry members walk toward him and take his elbow, and then another walked by his other side. By that time I noticed he was visibly not well. They entered the parish hall and I went to the front of the church to notify the greeter, who is also a registered nurse. She went to the parish hall and I made an announcement there may be a brief delay, as our priest was not feeling well. I went to the back to check on how things were going, and our pastor was resting on the sofa. After some discussion, he decided to get checked out, as it is better to go and find all is well, than to wish to have gone sooner. At present, he is being checked for the possibility of a mini stroke. He is able to talk but it seems a little slower.
The church service continued with all being the same until after the offertory as we changed to Morning Prayer.
Asking for prayers for our pastor, especially in light of his health and for him not to worry about Holy Week too much (and he probably will). At this point his health is much more important to us.
Cathy, how scary! I hope you'll have some answers soon.
Posted by: Songbird | March 16, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Oh my goodness! I hope your priest is doing much better now. That must have been quite unsettling for everyone. You're right - the important thing is his health.
Posted by: Sue | March 16, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Praying!
Posted by: patti | March 16, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Prayers for your priest and congregation, and also all those whose homes, cars and businesses were damaged by the tornado.
Posted by: Auntie Knickers | March 16, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Gosh, I am glad he went on and got things checked out.
Posted by: annie | March 17, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Oh my! Prayers for your priest and family. What a time that must have been for him, and everyone.
Posted by: LawAndGospel | March 17, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Praying for him and all of y'all. Such an intense day/service and week ahead. Not so surprising, really. Scary as heck.
love ya
Posted by: Mary Beth | March 17, 2008 at 02:12 PM