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On Sunday, April 27, the Vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Sacramento, presented its rector, the Rev. Rik Rasmussen, with a Resolution of Thanksgiving for his ministry. Rev. Rik is nearing the end of a course of radiation therapy for recurrent prostate cancer, which requires a total of 36 treatments - five per week - most of which were administered during the season of Lent. While undergoing treatment, Rev. Rik continued to serve his congregation "with unwavering faithfulness and perseverance," as the Vestry resolution states.

The idea for the commendation originated with Vestry member Charles Heermans, who suggested that the St. Paul's congregation should celebrate the end of Rev. Rik's treatment with a surprise show of support. Heermans helped write the resolution, which Bishop Megan signed and marked with the Diocesan seal and logo. The resolution was presented to Rev. Rik during the April 27 worship service, along with a commemorative stole created by Heermans, and the more than $1,500 church members donated to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Several more donations were also made by members to the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in honor of Rev. Rik.

Earlier in the service that morning, the Jesus action figure that Rev. Rik places on the railing next to the pulpit during the Easter season took a few tumbles as the homilist gestured enthusiastically. During his announcements at The Peace, Rev. Rik laughed and said, "Well, you can't have a Jesus action figure without action!"

Later, as he thanked the Vestry and congregation for the resolution, the stole, and for the monetary contributions made in his honor, Rev. Rik said, "Jesus will surely be doing more back flips in gratitude for your generosity!"