Dear Members and Friends of Peace Lutheran Church,
 
Four years ago, I had surgery to reconstruct my ankle due to some damage done over the years. Since that time, things just haven’t felt right. I went back to the doctor, did lots of physical therapy, had additional MRI’s and tests but it’s still been painful. I saw an ankle specialist at Loyola a couple months ago and after some testing we found that I have a torn tendon that will need to be repaired. How that happened we don’t know for sure but my surgeon suspects something from the original surgery didn’t heal correctly and will need to be reconstructed again this time. We really don’t know the extent of the surgery until my doctor gets in there to check things out.
 
I am scheduled for outpatient (hopefully) surgery on Friday, July 23rd. Recovery will be 6 – 8 weeks non weight bearing. This time we have an electric scooter to make it easier for me to get around...and more fun too! For at least two weeks I will be working from home because it is important to keep my foot elevated which is almost impossible to do sitting behind a desk. After the initial two weeks we will reassess the situation. I will be available via phone and if need be, Jim can bring me over to the office and I can meet with you there. I will handle any emergencies that may arise, but I have Pastor Kris Zierke from Seneca and Pastor Ben Ingelson from Channahon ready as back up if needed.
 
On Sunday, July 25th, Tom Christ will be speaking, Emma Knudson will be leading the service, and Pastor Linda Jones will preside over Holy Communion. On Sunday, August 1st, my former intern at Grace Lutheran in Wilmington, Kyle Johnson, will be leading the service and preaching, and Pastor Linda Jones will be presiding over Holy Communion. I will also be attending a virtual event called the Global Leadership Summit that week for Continuing Education.
 
I am grateful in advance for all those stepping up to fill my shoes… literally… for those two weeks. I covet your prayers for a successful surgery.
 
Peace,
 
Pastor Lu