What We Believe

(Scroll down for inspiration page!)

The Apostle Paul wrote, almost two thousand years ago in his first letter to the Corinthians, that there were three things that had lasting value over everything else.
Love. Hope. Faith.
There are very few institutions in this culture or any other that can compare to the church.  The church stands for the core values of life in a unique and powerful way.
The church exists to promote and encourage these lasting and enduring values.

LOVE

In our mission to the poor and neglected of the world we extend our love in a most helpful and tangible way.  We also give love to one another through the fellowship we share together as members of the church.

HOPE

The church proclaims hope by its very existence.  If you know the story of the beginning of the church, you know how unlikely it is that there are churches at all.  When Jesus died, that should have been the end of his movement, but it wasn't. As a result of what Jesus taught, and a very Holy Spirit among them, the disciples saw a future and so formed the church.  It is miraculous and absolute fact. The hope that the disciples proclaimed birthed the church.

The existence of the church now points to an eternal hope that lives in the heart of every human being.  To preach the resurrection, the church must -- and always does -- continue to believe that when God is involved, anything is possible.  That is hope extended to all who come in contact with a church.

FAITH

The church also encourages and nurtures faith.  There is nothing more important to happiness and meaning in this life than faith.   Our very meaning and happiness depends directly on what we believe about our lives. The church proclaims that all people are cherished and loved children of God.  If you believe, then you cannot be discouraged, and the possibilities for your life are limitless.

These are not just words. Many of us live by them. Some inspiring examples appear below.

Ann Lasusa is a wonderful person and a talented artist. See below. She told me many times that her creativity is what got her through the most isolating times of the pandemic. Thought you would like to see.

From Ann Lasusa

“2020 has not been a good year for me and I am not alone . My son had a debilitating stroke. For the first time in my 92 years I was not able to spend time at a family cottage in Quebec because of the pandemic, and have been kept very confined in the senior resident where I live. However, I can be grateful that I have throughout had the prayers and support of the church and the ability to gain some serenity through my interest in the visual arts. I am sharing with you some of what I have created during this unprecedented time for all of us.”

My vacation at Sloan: a world class resort! by Michele Croft

Michele had a stem cell transplant in July. (She calls it her vacation.) This was her second one in seven years. I thought that her faith and resilience was quite an inspiration. I asked her to share a few words and the wonderful paintings she created while she was there. Scroll down to see her creations, quite delightful. -Tim

Reviewing my memories of my 15 days at Sloan I must say I feel nothing but gratitude for the doctors, nurses, patient techs and the staff!

Getting used to Sloan meant having vitals checked every 4 hours. Meals were gourmet if you can believe it. A 10 page menu with specials every week with your choice of meals prepared when you ask. No cooking or cleaning, just eating! If only I had an appetite! That was, and still is non-existent since the high dose chemo June 23.

I brought plenty of activities to keep me busy. My flute brought much comfort to me and other people passing by my room. I was a bit short of breath but expect that to improve soon!

After 3 days and 3 non-working sets of pedals, Sloan was finally able to find a working set. My goal was to pedal 110 miles, like I did in 2013 during my first transplant. I did 110 miles, in 11 days, although there was a day or two that I took off. One of the doctors scolded me for using too many calories exercising and not consuming enough calories! Imagine me, a 62 year old, getting a finger wagged at me! So I took off a few days from walking the halls and ate a few more lunches!

I had my paints with me and really enjoyed the view from Room M-828! I loved seeing the sun come up and go down, along with the birds eye view of crosswalks, pedestrians and even an occasional cart pulled by a bicycle. The view out the window to the left had terrific bridges and buildings. Occasionally I would be treated to seeing the tram going back and forth between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan. Straight across the street I enjoyed watching two little boys gaze out the window and play in the mornings. I wonder if they saw me!

I was happy to see the cart transporting stem cells on one of my walks around the hall. All stem cell recipients receive stem cells this way, but I didn't see mine when they were outside my room. So I assume most patients aren't aware what the cart looks like.

Six paintings are attached so you have an idea of my wonderful view. (More text below paintings)

I've had two followup visits with my transplant doctor and am feeling a little better each day. In late September I'll begin 4 more months of twice a week treatment, 3 weeks on one week off, before I finish in January. I expect this to be fairly straightforward and pain free.

I am so grateful there is such groundbreaking research work being done in the area of Multiple Myeloma. My transplant in 2013 gave me 7 years, but this transplant and preliminary treatment have improved my blood in a way that was impossible before. 

I'm looking forward to getting back on my bicycle (on a flat course) at the end of the week. I'm also counting on at least another 7 years without myeloma treatment. Hurray Sloan!