Bethel Hill United Methodist
ChurchBethel Hill United Methodist
ChurchSunday - 9/18/2005 - The 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM Sunday Services will be handled by Pastor George for the next 2 weeks. Reverend Mary Lake-Dillensnyder will handle the 9:30 AM Sunday Services during that time.
Tuesday - 9/6/2005 - I spoke to Pastor George today. His recovery continues to move along well. The cardiac rehab is allowing recovery at an accelerated rate compared to last month. Although he still can only perform a limited amount of work, he has been active in the planning of some of the church activities. He is doing this with the concurrence of his physicians and they have indicated he may be able to resume a planned work schedule this month.
Monday - 8/29/2005 - Pastor George attended the 9:30 AM Service on Sunday. We spoke briefly and he indicated he feels good about the rehab sessions. The status reports on this website will probably occur less frequently because there is not much in the way of new info. I will share with you any correspondence the Pastor generates for distribution to the congregation.
Saturday - 8/27/2005 - The rehabilitation continues. Pastor George feels his strength is steadily improving. It is getting a little harder to contact him because he is more mobile. He was helping Cheryl with some of the shopping today.
Tuesday - 8/23/2005 - Pastor George has started his cardiac rehabilitation and is starting to build his strength. Progress .... progress ...... progress .... tempered with patience .... patience ..... patience.
Sunday - 8/21/2005 - Pastor George asked that the following letter from him be read to the congregation at each service:
Date: August 16, 2005
From: Pastor George Tigh
To: Officers, Members and Friends of Bethel Hill Church
Re: Resumption of Pastoral Duties
As you know on July 21st I underwent a quadruple by-pass operation that required fracturing the sternum and several ribs to complete. Told that the operation was a success I was understandably eager to as soon as possible resume my life in general, and my pastoral duties in particular. First, I conjectured August 21st as the target date to return. However, wise medical counsel strongly insists that I defer returning to work for several more weeks for these reasons:
While the surgeon, Dr. Francis Sutter, is a skilled and compassionate man, the fact remains my body experienced trauma not unlike injuries suffered were I struck by a bus; the sort of injuries that need a minimum six to eight weeks convalescence.
The task of balancing the needful medications for the heart is measurably complicated by their uncertain interaction with equally necessary Parkinson’s medication. Less frequently, but still occurring are occasions when I experience a rapid drop in blood pressure that brings me to the edge of blacking out (on two occasions in fact, I did pass out). This matter seems to be stabilizing but for the present I am not cleared to drive and have been instructed to limit excursions from home. Soon, I will begin cardiac rehabilitation where, monitored by health care professionals, we’ll get the heart back in shape.
The point is, I must ask you who have been patient and generous in your support to be yet more patient still. Cardiologist, Dr. Vincent Quinn, will not clear me to return to preaching duties at this time and I am not inclined to subvert his judgment.
I know the absence of a pastor is disruptive to the congregational life. I am greatly dismayed that I am unavailable to dear church members who are entitled to pastoral support as they are facing major life issues of their own.
I hope you agree, however, that it is in everyone’s best interest that I not rush healing’s timetable. In the context of several years of ministry, two or three added weeks will not seem that much. To return too soon just to meet a stated target date can be detrimental to my long term health. Furthermore, it would likely present the spectacle of a feeble and compromised worker who needs special considerations. When I resume duties I want to be present as one who is unconditionally fit and possessing the strength and stamina to fulfill all the expectations of a pastor’s job description.
I will always be in your debt and assure you that I will be committed to honoring your investment in me.
Peace and love,
Pastor George Tigh
Additional note: This morning George was sitting outside on the porch. I had the opportunity to chat with him for awhile. Although he is getting stronger daily, he still feels fatigued after a few moments of effort. He has been assured this is normal in his case. He is looking good and is excited about starting his cardiac rehabilitation next week.
One more thing, this past week Cheryl tripped and fell slightly injuring herself. Although she does not appear to have any major injuries, it would be nice if everyone remembered her in their prayers for a speedy recovery along with George.
Friday - 8/19/2005 - The healing continues at a good rate and Pastor George continues to get stronger. Shortly, he will start his post surgery cardiac rehabilitation which will go through the month of September. He occasionally stops in at the church office to see how things are going during his absence. As expected, Janet has everything running like clockwork. We keep Pastor George up to date on church activities and he always asks how the congregation is doing during his absence.
Tuesday - 8/16/2005 - Yesterday, Pastor George met with the doctors. Although he is doing a good job of healing, he will continue "house rest" until his next appointment which is August 31st. At that time the doctors will perform another evaluation to determine the remaining recovery plan. A card, phone call, or visit would most likely help our usually busy pastor get through the next few weeks.
Sunday - 8/14/2005 - George visited the 8:15 AM Service today. This week Pastor George is to see the physicians to find out what the plan is for the coming weeks.
Wednesday - 8/10/2005 - It appears the healing is going well. I have been told Pastor George was over at the church office visiting with Janet for awhile doing what he could to avert the boredom that comes with recovery. He is feeling stronger every day even though each day has it's share of weakness and listlessness. Although the physicians have the last word, he still is targeting late August as when he can drive again.
Saturday - 8/06/2005 - The test results (from when he was in the hospital) are in and nothing of consequence was found. Most likely, this was part of the "tough" portions of recovery from such a procedure. Pastor George is getting stronger and working hard at recovery. Today, the visiting nurse was in to check on him. The toughest thing for him now is to exercise extreme patience regarding the recovery process. Cheryl gave him a real treat today, he had steak for dinner.
Friday - 8/05/2005 - Pastor George is back home from the hospital and continuing his recovery!
Thursday - 8/04/2005 - I have some unexpected news to share with you, Pastor George was admitted into Suburban Mercy Hospital late yesterday afternoon. He was experiencing discomfort in his back and stomach. It appears the doctors decided to be prudent and get him into the hospital so they could perform a series of tests on him. He has had x-rays, catscans, ultra-sound of the liver, and blood tests conducted. For now, we await the results of those tests. I am sure Cheryl and George would like for each of us to say a few prayers for a continuance of his recovery to date.
Tuesday - 8/02/2005 - Would you believe it? Here we are less than two weeks after surgery and Pastor George is able to go between the first and second floor on his own. Although his travels within the house are limited, he still is mobile. He has been visited by family and friends and is in good spirits.
Thursday - 7/28/2005 - Today the traveling nurse came to see Pastor George at home. She checked all his vitals and the areas where he was connected to tubes and machines. We expect her visits to continue for the next three weeks. He continues to mend!
Wednesday - 7/27/2005 - Pastor George is still on the mend at home. Although recovery is very demanding on him at this time, he still is dedicated to following the physicians instructions and not rushing the process.
Tuesday - 7/26/2005 - Eureka! Pastor George is now home. It would be great if everyone could find the time to send him a card to keep his spirits high during this time of healing.
Monday - 7/25/2005 - I spoke to Pastor George today. Although today was a tough day for him, his physicians indicate he is on schedule regarding his recovery. He will not be able to go home today but the latest estimate is he will go home tomorrow.
Sunday - 7/24/2005 - Pastor George asked that the following letter from him be read to the congregation at each service:
3:40 PM, Wednesday, July 20,2005
Dear Members and Friends of Bethel Hill Church,
I sit at my computer keyboard on the eve of a surgical procedure that according to the doctors will restore both strength and stamina to levels I haven't known in a couple of years. By the time you hear this it is my trust that I will be recovering at Lankenau Hospital.
Cheryl joins me in returning thanks to all who have prayerfully stood by us through my present health issue. We are also grateful to Bishop Marcus Matthews and our new District Superintendent, the Rev. Ralph Blanks, for their conversations and encouragement. I've informed them of the unique resilience and involvement of Bethel Hill's laity and assured them that Bethel Hill will thrive for the expected four-week duration of my absence. To be completely truthful, six to eight weeks is expected before I am at full strength; but by the fourth week, I ought to be able to resume preaching and leading worship and I will be cleared to drive a car again.
Thanks again for your understanding, patience and cooperation. Say my name in your prayers and look forward to the improvements that will be evident in the ol' Parson once these surgical renovations are completed.
Peace and love
Saturday - 7/23/2005 - Pastor George is doing well. He has been on Oxygen which is normal in these cases and has been occasionally walking the halls. There is a chance he could go home from the hospital on Monday.
Thursday - 7/21/2005 - Pastor George had quadruple bypass surgery at 3:00 PM this afternoon. He was in the operating room approximately 3 hours and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The doctors have indicated the procedure went very well and Pastor George is doing fine. As of 6:30 PM his family has not yet been able to visit him but they will get together later this evening. It appears your prayers are having a terrific affect ......... keep them coming!
Wednesday - 7/20/2005 - 2nd Message from Pastor George:
Again,
thank you for your prayers and kind support. As things stand I
am scheduled to have multiple by-pass surgery Thursday morning at
Lankenua Hospital. I am eager to put this behind me and hope there'll
be no unanticipated delays. By the grace of God and the God-given
skills of some health care professionals I hope to see you all soon!
Peace and love.
Tuesday - 7/19/2005 - Message from Pastor George:
Thank you all sincerely for your prayerful support. It's been a chaotic and often changing picture for me of late; allow me to provide an update.
First, I am home. I was discharged Monday evening, however I will return either Thursday or Friday for the multiple coronary by-pass operation. The reason for the postponement is that I have been on a blood thinning medication since January that increases the risk of bleeding during the surgery. I must be off this medication for at least 5 days before the surgeon will operate. While my primary cardiologist would ideally wanted me to remain at Lankenau Hospital
until the operation, the surgeon felt (and my HMO lobbied) that I be discharged, rest at home, and return early the morning of the operation.
In January, on two separate occasions, four chemically treated stents were inserted to prevent clotting. Apparently, their chemical "teflon" properties did not work and they are instead collecting plaque. Thus the need for by pass surgery.
Although I've tried to hide it, I suspect that many have observed that despite January's procedures I had lost a good measure of my energy and that I tired quickly. Once I recover from the surgery (about 4 weeks out of work; another 4 until full recovery) it is expected I will feel stronger and have greater stamina than I have known in months.
Again, it is likely I will be out of commission for no more than 4 or 5 weeks and back at full strength in 8 weeks. No long-term disability absence is expected. I thank you all in advance for the cooperation and dedication I know you will provide to help Bethel Hill Church get past this present speed bump regarding a pastor's health issue.
In the meantime, keep me in your prayers. I am eager to have the surgery and put all this behind me. I have complete confidence in the surgical team and I am not afraid - I believe what I preach. I know invisible hands will uphold me.Peace and love,
Pastor George Tigh
Sunday -
7/17/2005
- I visited Pastor George at the hospital. He is in fine spirits and
is keeping himself busy with some church business and watching TV to keep up
with golf and baseball. While I was there he was surrounded by family
and seemed to feel comfortable. During my visit the nurse came in to
check George's vitals. Although he had a slight fever, his blood
pressure was good. The doctors are trying to schedule his surgery for
Monday or Tuesday but it is complicated by the fact someone already
scheduled would have to agree to switch. We will have to see what
happens regarding the surgery scheduling. George told me he is looking
forward to when it is over because he knows he will be stronger than before.