Refill With Randy

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this day right… TOGETHER!

That was the tagline for a series of videos that I began posting on YouTube back in October 2019 titled, “Refill with Randy”. In each episode my goal was to inspire others by sharing personal insights from my life and ministry, as well as highlighting some great things happening in our community, and was often joined by others over a cup of coffee.  Now, 80 videos and a blog later, I will be bringing “Refill with Randy” to the Orleans Hub and Pennysaver. Some things will change, “Let’s start this day week right… TOGETHER!!!  but my aim to inspire others remains the same.

Pauline Bachorski back, right

As I start this new endeavor I thought I should share a little about myself and my motivation for doing this. Back in the spring of 2004 I was appointed as the Lead Pastor at Albion Free Methodist Church so, along with my wife, our 2-year-old daughter, and our 2-week-old son, I made the move from Niagara Falls to Orleans County and never looked back.

Since that time our family grew, as we welcomed two more girls to the mix, and our love for the people of this area grew as well. After over 15 years of pastoring at AFMC I felt God calling me out of the pulpit but not out of the area so, in the summer of 2019, I stepped out in faith and started Go Scatter Ministries. Since that time God has given me the opportunity to serve others in a variety of ways.

Pastor Randy LeBaron

In addition to speaking at several churches around the County and volunteering as a Care-Net Counselor, an Orleans County Sheriff’s Chaplain, and as a helper on the Hands 4 Hope Ministry Truck, I am also an active member of of P.A.C.T. (Pastors Aligned for Community Transformation), an Adjunct Professor at Robert’s Wesleyan University, and the Spiritual Care & Bereavement Coordinator for Supportive Care Orleans (Hospice). I am also adding Interim Pastor at Medina 1st Baptist Church to that list as of today.

I often joke about how many hats I wear but the reality is that each one represents a door that, when opened, has allowed me to meet and connect with so many  people. In doing so I have heard and seen many inspiring things and so my hope is to give you a glimpse of some of the good things I have gotten to experience on a regular basis. My hope is that these stories will fill you up—like a cup of coffee for your soul. So, on that note and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to highlight how some have chosen to help those who may be grieving the holiday rather than celebrating it. 

Annie Curfman, Alexa Suleski, Neveya Barnes

On January 31st my colleague at Supportive Care of Orleans (Hospice), Christine Fancher, and I were invited by Pauline Bachorski, the Service Unit Manager and Leader of Albion Girl Scout Troupes 82007 and 82261, to join them for their meeting that evening at North Point Chapel.

Upon arriving we were greeted by a large group of scouts, along with some parents and other leaders, and asked to share a little about Hospice. Afterward the girls went right to work making gifts to give to our patients at The Martin-Linsen Residence (Hospice Home).

Using everything from markers, stamps, glue, a cricut machine, and a whole lot of love, the girls made cards, envelopes, and even some crafty flowers, to serve as a reminder that each resident is being remembered and loved. Thank you girls!!!

Madison & Scarlett Smith

And, as appreciated as the gifts will be to those who may be experiencing their last Valentine’s Day, we at Supportive Care also wanted to do something for the many who are experiencing their first Valentine’s Day without their loved one.

To that end our Grief Support Group, which meets every second & fourth Tuesday of the month at the Albion 1st Baptist Church at 4 p.m., is going to change up the format for our next meeting on Tuesday, February 14th. After polling current members of the group my co-leader, Amanda Byron, and I decided that rather than sticking with with a typical session we would simply make our group a safe space where people could come play some games and enjoy some snacks together with others who are going through a similar experience.

So if you or someone you know is struggling with  grief and loss please know that the game night, as well as the regular group meetings, are open to anyone in the community and are free of charge. You may be experiencing Valentine’s Day very different this year but you don’t have to do it alone. 

See you in two weeks!
Pastor Randy

Emmalyn Curfman

Rosemary Kirby, Christine Fancher