29 Apr Update on Robert Shellhouse

Robert Shellhouse, a retired minister in Michigan, was taken to the hospital last week with what appeared to be a stroke. He sent this update on his health:

First of all, thank you for all your calls, cards, prayers, thoughts, and visits.  We greatly appreciate each one of you.

Monday, I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Gilbert. Other than my blood pressure being slightly elevated, I was coming along fine. I will not be able to drive for another week (per doctor’s orders), then slowly get back to it.

Today, I saw a speech therapist in Whitehall, Mich. She gave me some new strengthening exercises to work on as well as some eating instructions, i.e., one bite, two swallows. I will be having therapy twice a week for a couple of weeks, then back in a month for another throat xray. Singing is another exercise that will help strengthen my vocal chords and aid in swallowing. Maybe once my vocal chords are all “tuned up,” you will allow me to be in the choir!”

23 Apr Update on Robert Shellhouse

Robert Shellhouse was discharged from the hospital this afternoon. The MRI performed today showed he suffered a TIA, not a stroke.  He also had a throat Xray which showed weakness in swallowing. He will be on a mechanical soft diet until he can build up some strength on the left side of his face and in his throat.  He has an appointment for speech therapy in Whitehall next Wednesday and will also follow up with his family doctor next week.

22 Apr Robert Shellhouse Suffers Stroke

Robert Shellhouse, a retired UB minister in Michigan, was taken to Mercy Hospital in Shelby, Mich., Wednesday morning (April 21) for what was most likely a stroke. A brain scan performed there determined that he had also suffered a stroke prior to that.

The treating physician at Shelby thought it might just be Bell’s Palsey and was going to treat and discharge him. However, when it came time to leave, he was unable to get up and walk. He was then transferred by ambulance to the ER at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon.

A carotid doppler was performed Wednesday night, with more tests scheduled for Thursday. He did suffer a stroke, but his speech was less slurred on Thursday (April 22), and they had him up walking some. They are working with him in both physical and occupational therapy.

Please keep Rev. Shellhouse in your prayers.

05 Apr UB History Course June 7-10

The annual UB History Course will be offered at Huntington University June 7-10, 2010. All local licensed ministers seeking National Conference or Specialized Ministry licenses are required to take this course.

The cost is $250. Information and registration can be obtained by contacting Lori Garde at the Graduate School or by calling 888-424-7231.

If any attendees need assistance with lodging, they can qualify for the denominational rate at Holiday Inn Express by contacting Cathy Reich or by calling 888-622-3019, ext. 311.

30 Mar Death of Robert McCoy

Robert McCoy, a former associate pastor of Jerusalem Chapel UB (Churchville, Va.), passed away March 27. His widow, Shirley, lives in Woodlawn, Va.

23 Mar Anniversary of Martin Boehm’s Death

On this date in 1812–which was 198 years ago–Bishop Martin Boehm died. He was 87 years old. Boehm was one of our denomination’s founders. He was the man who preached that fiery message at Long’s Barn in 1767 which caught the attention of our other founder, William Otterbein.

08 Mar Death of Naomi Taylor

Naomi Taylor passed away March 4, 2010. She and her husband, Willis Taylor, who passed away in 1983, served in the United Brethren pastorate for ten years in the 1950s. Funeral services will be held today, March 8, in Carson City, Mich. Lux Funeral Homes has a link to her online obituary.

01 Mar Resignation of Buck Summers at Criders UB

Earl “Buck” Summers resigned as senior pastor of Criders UB (Greencastle, Pa.) effective February 28, 2010.