To the editor:

We have just celebrated the season of Easter, and are reminded once again of God’s great love and of Christ’s great sacrifice on our behalf. In speaking with His closest followers, Jesus made a profound statement regarding love and sacrifice. He said: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 NASB

Our nation is in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic that also affects us locally. It is quite natural for each of us to be concerned for our own personal welfare, and that of those closest to us. As this pandemic continues it also becomes easy for us to become impatient, critical, and frustrated with the restrictions and the inconveniences placed upon us.

Scripture suggests that we pray, that we cast our burdens upon the Lord, and that we love our neighbor.

Nowhere is love for our neighbor being demonstrated more clearly and sacrificially than by the leaders and professionals in our communities who are our first line of defense against this pandemic. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to all of those in the medical profession – doctors, nurses, administrators – to first responders, members of law enforcement, fire fighters and civil servants on the state, county and local level, and to those who are caring for their children.

These individuals, members of our communities, members of our churches, neighbors and friends are living out Jesus’ admonition to love your neighbor as yourself. They do this by faithfully planning, preparing, and performing their jobs to the best of their ability, in not the best of times.

We do not know how long this pandemic will last, nor, how long the restrictions that have been placed upon our communities will remain in effect. We do know that whatever the duration, we are being served capably, admirably, willingly, and well.

The New Ulm Ministerial Association wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to the many who are caring for our needs at this time and encourages the members of our congregations and communities to also take opportunities to express their thanks and support to those who serve us.

Rev. Philip Schenck

President, New Ulm

Ministerial Association