Dear Perry Methodist Church Family,

Usually I write articles, letters, sermons, Bible studies, outlines, and strategies on my laptop computer. I’m a fairly decent typer and can type faster than I can write by hand.

Today is—I think—the first time in my ministry that I have set out to write a bulletin article by hand. I have written countless personal notes by hand—I enjoy that practice—and occasionally a sermon outline has come to me through pen and paper. Other than that, my writing has involved a screen since I was in the ninth grade and took typing.

Today I am in my usual spot for the past two weeks—on my couch at home with my leg propped up. “Keep your toes above your nose” is about the only thing I am supposed to do for now.

Two weeks ago, I broke my ankle playing basketball with my friends in the Family Life Center. Last week I had successful ankle surgery to repair three breaks—my inside ankle, outside ankle, and the back. Three breaks. Nine screws. One plate. And a partridge in a pear tree.

The pain has been tolerable, our church family has been incredibly supportive, and most of all, my family has stepped up in amazing ways.

Anyone who knows me can attest that I cannot sit still. I walk when I’m on a phone call. I have restless energy. I’m not one who easily takes a nap or just “vegs out.”

These past two weeks have been humbling. Little things take a lot more effort. I have a whole new appreciation for those who deal with mobility challenges every day. I see now how difficult our sanctuary can be—even with a working lift and handicap ramps—to navigate.

I love to exercise to burn off stress. For now, that is off the table. Instead, I am being invited to sit with my foot propped up—or lie down with my foot propped up. I’m getting pretty good at crutches, but they are a workout in themselves.

I’ve got a knee scooter that I’ll use more once I’m a little further along in my recovery. I’ve used my laptop some, but it’s simply harder for me to work with my foot propped up.

But God has graciously given me a pad of paper, hands that can write, and a Sharpie pen. He has even given me technology that can take a picture of this handwritten page, recognize my scribbly penmanship, and turn it into something that can be emailed or printed in the bulletin.

I’m reminded of C. S. Lewis, who, **in his day—before computers, for sure—wrote his letters and essays by longhand with a quill and ink bottle rather than using the newer technology of a pen. He believed writing with a quill and ink took longer. It forced him to pause and to be more deliberate with every word he chose.

I am excited to see you all on Sunday, July 5, as we gather to worship God, sing His praise, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and thank Him for the blessing of 250 years as a free country.

I’m also eager to go with my family to Florida for Children’s Camp next week. I can’t wait to prop up my feet in a different environment for a change and witness the magic of lives being changed by God as children laugh, play, learn, and grow together. I will most definitely miss the Blob this year! 

I have volunteered to head over to Epworth by the Sea on Friday, July 10, where Rob will be ordained as a Deacon in the Global Methodist Church that evening.

I’m grateful to be broken and in need of repair.

And I’m grateful that God is healing me while also forcing me to sit, to be still, and to pick up a pen and a pad of paper.

Until I see you, have a happy Fourth of July. Stay safe, have fun, stay hydrated, eat a hot dog, and say a prayer of thanks to God for the blessing of liberty.

Grace & Peace,

Tom

Help us create a cookbook that celebrates our Perry Methodist Church family. We are also looking for historical photos and special memories that help tell the story of our church. Photos can be scanned in the church office and returned to you.


All submissions are due 
by Wednesday, July 15.


Submit your recipes, photos, or memories:


• Email: cookbook@perrymethodist.com


• Online: perrymethodist.com/cookbook


• Drop off at the church office


• Place typed or handwritten items in the basket in the Narthex (please include your name and phone number)


Recipe cards will be available
 in the Narthex.

Thanks to your faithful support, and leadership from the Trustees, we recently completed two significant projects. 

First, chandelier lifts have been installed on the Sanctuary lights to allow safe maintenance of these historic fixtures.

Second, we replaced the old musty carpet in the Sanctuary basement. The new flooring presents a fresh and clean environment for this area – and looks great!

Thank you for your interest, engagement, and donations that support maintenance and repair of our historic facilities.


We continue to look for opportunities to demonstrate faithful stewardship of our facilities and to invest in our Church’s mission. 

Our goal is to create spaces that enable and encourage closer human and spiritual connections. Future work will include HVAC repairs and repairs to our historic Sanctuary doors. 

Your good ideas, prayerful encouragement, and supporting donations are always appreciated.

Please lift up the following people in prayer,
if you would like to be added to the list 
or if you have a private prayer request, 
please call the church office at 478-987-1852 
or click here to submit it on our website.

Tom and Shelly Carruth

Kathy Opitz
Charlotte Bohanan

Janice Walker 
Betty Miller

Andrew Lauer and family
Gene and Betty Salyer

Elwood and Annette Waites

Jane Collier

Barbara Turner

Gayle Borah
Peggy Connor
Paula Geiger

Larry Gray

Sandra Mizell

Beverly Bowen

Jackie Cooper

Larry and Vera Scott

Angie Carlson

Allen and Barbara Kingry

Jackie Beeland

Elaine Wright

Betty Coleman

Bob and Marguerite Messer

Joyce and Mac McElroy

Alvalyn Pope