Our dearly loved and sorely missed Harry Lagess (sexton) has passed through the test of quadruple bypass surgery at Baystate and is back at his home on Florida Mountain. His expected recovery time is about three months. There are two sets of implications for our congregation.
(A) Getting Harry’s work done at our church building!
We all know that Harry is incredibly efficient and effective at his job. However, we have not budgeted for a fulltime replacement for him. We have made arrangements for two part-time workers to do a portion of Harry’s work: Brandon Burns and Bill Galusha will be helping with some of the basics.
However, the more we can do with volunteers, the better off we will be financially and, I suspect, spiritually, as one body. As with our experience at Blue Jean Sunday last fall, working together for a common purpose is a good thing for our spiritual health! It is our building, and we all can care for it. If you are unable to volunteer because of health, disability, or time, that’s perfectly all right. AND you can still work hard at picking up after yourself by not leaving a mess behind!
If during the winter months you’d like to consider leaving your boots in the lobby and wearing slippers or alternate shoes into the sanctuary, we’d welcome your effort at keeping the sand and salt outside. (Maybe we’ll have a “most beautiful” slipper contest on the snowiest Sunday!)
Elayne Murphy has volunteered to assist Gail in coordinating volunteer efforts. All are invited to fill out a half-sheet of paper that will indicate your availability and your willingness to help in areas like snow removal; setting up tables and chairs for events, or taking them down; cleaning such as tidying the sanctuary after service and replacing papers in the pew; vacuuming; mopping; tidying other areas such as the kitchen. Stop by the Church Office to pick up forms.Or you can call into church with what you are willing to do.
(B) Helping out Harry’s family, especially financially.
Our Personnel Committee and Church Council are reviewing ways to provide financial help to Harry, particularly granting him additional sick leave days, based on availability of funds in our 2010 budget. Unfortunately, however, our budget currently has a shortfall in pledges of nearly $12,000. You can help us help Harry by making a pledge if you have not done so, by increasing your pledge, or making an additional gift at this time. Thanks very much for your consideration and concern.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE LaGESS FAMILY
Harry and Gail LaGess, Andrew LaGess
35 South County Road
Florida, MA 01247
hlagess@yahoo.com
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