Good Samaritan News

Dear ones -

Witnessing the way that Fr. Lance and Stacie have walked these last few weeks since he was first diagnosed with cancer has been both humbling and inspiring.  Humbling, because whatever problems or issues I have or think I have, they are minuscule compared to what they are going through right now.  Life changing events such as these put into stark perspective the things that are truly important and the things that are not.  The people and relationships that we value the most and the stuff and business that isn't.  I have also been moved by the way Lance and Stacy have lived through this so far.  They have displayed the utmost courage and faith.  It's one thing to talk about God, love, faith, hope and such, it's another to really live these.  They have, they do. 

Of course the worst part is the waiting... waiting for a complete diagnosis; waiting for appointments with doctors, waiting for a course of treatment to be decided upon.  It's perhaps ironic and yet at the same same very right that all of this should take place in the season of Advent, which is itself a time of waiting.  The course of treatment for Fr. Lance is now clearer - radiation therapy at the end of December, followed by surgery in late February, with chemotherapy also scheduled.  I know that you are keeping him, Stacy, Grace and Jacob in your prayers.  Many people have asked if they can help. If you would like to, please contact Dawn Jones who is coordinating these offers. Her phone number is 541-754-0218. Many have said that they want to make a financial contribution to help with medical and other expenses - if you would like to do this you can write a check to Good Sam Church and put 'Fr. Lance Fund' in the memo line.

Please pray for... Mariellen Harper in Corvallis Manor, Hazel Scharfer in Park Place, Stacy Meyer, Lance Peeler and Inez Peck undergoing treatment for cancer, the soul of Betty Birdsall who died this week and whose memorial service is at Good Sam on Tuesday,
December 20th @ 11.00 a.m.

Simon+