A Message from Bishop Joy
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
We are all familiar with these words of scripture. January of 2022 is giving us another opportunity to practice putting these words of love of neighbor into action.
The omicron variant of Covid is spreading quickly. South- Central Wisconsin and our entire state has seen critically high numbers. ICU beds are scarce. Most hospitals cannot accept transfers for critically ill patients. Some schools in our area are shifting back to virtually learning. Other social services that keep us safe and healthy are struggling to do so.
We are hearing hopeful predictions that things will get better in the next 4-6 weeks, but that the next 4-6 will be difficult. During these next 4-6 weeks you and your congregation can make a difference. Please consider returning to your safest practices. If you are able to go online, I would encourage you to. If that is not a possibility for your ministry at this time then please continue mitigation efforts including masks, distancing, and good ventilation. Singing is still considered a dangerous activity by most public health officials so refrain from or limit singing as much as possible.
We are all exhausted. We all want this pandemic to end. Yet, we are not alone. We are in this together. God is also here in this with us. Let us love our neighbor. It is taking all our heart, our soul and our strength perhaps but we can do this. God walks with us on this journey. God walks with our neighbor. You do make a difference with your acts of love and care.
Bishop Joy
