Pastor - Michele Townsend Grove
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Michele Townsend Grove, our half-time minister, is a Unitarian Universalist religious educator who has expanded her portfolio to include worship and congregational leadership. Michele moved to Galena in 2021 with her family and found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton through the reference of a dear friend. Michele has worked in United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist churches for more than 30 years including congregations in Delaware, Washington, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey and Illinois.
Michele is married to Andy Townsend, a retired dentist who is currently working to restore several properties in Illinois and West Virginia. Michele and Andy have a daughter who is a sophomore at Galena High School.
When Michele is not working with the UU Stockton congregation she is consulting with other Unitarian Universalist congregations, teaching courses in transitional leadership, gardening and playing games with her family. Michele also admits to being a big fan of Marvel movies and Star Trek.
If you would like to reach out to Michele, please email [email protected]. Michele looks forward to getting to know you!
Pastor's Perspective
July 5, 2024
We do not hold Sunday Services during the month of July. However, we are still a community that cares for each other and the wider community. While you are enjoying the summer days, we encourage you to keep in touch with each other. And with permission, we will print updates on those who have been navigating illness.
One of our UU Stockton family, Laura Brierre, is in need of our help. Laura has been on the kidney transplant list for a few now and it has been challenging finding a donor. Your help in finding a donor is greatly appreciated.
Here is the amazing thing. The process for being a donor has changed. Now, you do not have to be a direct match to donate. There is a national network which matches the donors and recipients. If you donate in Laura’s name, your kidney goes into the network to a matched recipient and Laura moves to the top of the list to receive a kidney that is a match.
In addition, anyone who gives a kidney secures a kidney for themselves and their immediate family if one is ever needed. Also, Laura shared the following information which is very helpful:
“I (Laura) am on the transplant list at the University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago. If someone is serious about wanting to donate for me, I have a phone number for the transplant center at the U of C from my nephrologist that they would need to call and set up an interview. All the medical costs related to donation by the donor would be covered by my medical insurance and any related costs, ie: travel, meals, transportation, etc. most likely would be covered by the National Living Donor Assistance Center. I would be able to contact my social worker at DaVita or the U of C transplant center for more information if needed for that. The approval process to become a donor takes approximately six months.”
If you would like to learn more, check out of the these websites (Laura recommends the first one as the best for information).
https://www.kidneyregistry.org/
National Living Donor Assistance Center, (NLDAC), livingdonorassistance.org.
National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org.
And if you or someone you know is interested in learning more as to how to help, please reach out to me at 605-237-1319 ([email protected])
Thanks to all the care you all give each other the community. As always, it is a pleasure to be in relationship with you all. Take care during the month of July. Even though it is a month off, I am available for pastoral care.
Blessings to you all,
Michele