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Congregations aid their pastor

McKay

WEIRTON — The Rev. Carol McKay, pastor of the Weirton Charge of United Methodist Churches, is accustomed to helping others, but, after she dislocated her knee Jan. 29, she is “learning lessons in accepting grace” as her congregations rally behind her.

“Please pray for me,” she said. “I will take all the prayers I can get.”

McKay is undergoing physical therapy as she recovers, but she can’t drive or spend long hours on her feet — a problem when a pastor is giving three sermons on Sundays. The Weirton Charge includes Christ United Methodist Church on Weirton Heights, First United Methodist Church downtown and Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church on Lisa Court.

“I am doing physical therapy two times a week,” she said. “I’m hoping to get back to normal as soon as I can.”

The congregations decided to have one service each Sunday until McKay has recovered, rotating between different churches. The congregations will meet at Christ United at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to celebrate Ash Wednesday at Pleasant Valley, at 10:30 a.m. March 5 at Pleasant Valley and 10:30 a.m. March 12 at First United.

“I had to give the service while sitting, but I last Sunday, we had more than 95 people all there in the church,” McKay said. “It was wonderful seeing all these people from three different churches come together and showing support their pastor.”

That isn’t the extent of the congregations’ support — church meetings are conducted with McKay using the FaceTime application and a parishioner even recommended a doctor for McKay.

“I have gotten so many cards, calls and texts saying ‘we’re right here if you need us,'” McKay said.

McKay’s congregations have helped out with dinners, visits and transportation — things she would ordinarily be doing for the congregations. She still keeps tabs on those who have been under the weather by phone, but admitted she is a “better at helping than receiving help.”

“They have really stepped up to help me,” she said. “I have been blessed. I have had the support of a few key people, and it’s been an overwhelming amount of support.”

Her two sons, Jake, 16, and Jonah, 10, have been a source of support as well, as Jake, newly licensed, has helped McKay get around and run errands, and Jonah has helped at home and with the house work.

“I would rather this had not happened, but it is a lesson in receiving grace and care graciously,” she said. “It is a two-way street. I have had so many people call to check on me and send cards. I do look forward to getting back to helping my congregation instead of the other way around.”

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