Health update. Patty and I went to the 8:30 service this morning. It was the service of lessons and carols, with lots of standing up to sing the carols. It was like a physical therapy workout! I was able to stand for the first three or four carols, and then my thighs said to me, "Hey! Give us a break!!" So I sat for the next few stand-up occasions! And I found that I didn't have enough breath to keep up with all the words of the hymns.

I've come a long way! But I'm not there yet.

It will be good for the congregation that Pastor Bob Maier will be Interim Pastor at St. Stephen during January. The consistency will be good. It will also be good for my recovery. Sandy won't have to rely on me to make decisions and give advice, so I'll be able to preserve emotional energy. John and Helen Allen's daughter worshiped at the 8:00 pm service on Christmas Eve and she said to me, "I'm so glad that Pastor Maier will be the Interim! He's wonderful!" (Bob had been her pastor in Richmond.)