Message from Bishop Wollersheim

May 2009

Coping With The Flu                          

H1N1 (swine flu) has now been added to the list of fears plaguing the people of the Northern Illinois Synod and indeed around the world.  I am not trying to minimize the potential threat of this illness but simply to add some perspective. 

Each year in our country about 35,000 people die of the regular flu virus.  Now that we have had one unfortunate death in the United States attributed to H1N1, we have a long way to go to reach the yearly average of 35,000 deaths.  We can only hope that the news media will not dwell on highlighting “the count” as the lead story for each news broadcast or newspaper banner headline.  I feel that this constant bombardment of negative news is taking a toll on people.

Hopefully without being overly optimistic, I offer another viewpoint on what is happening. 

We are fortunate to live in a country of vast resources.  Our medical capabilities, although not perfect, are among the best in the world.  Because of 9/11, Katrina and etc. we have better systems in place to address disasters.  Our ability to communicate almost instantly enables various officials around the world to constantly track the progress of the illness and to take steps to respond very quickly.  Our scientific community has lots of experience in addressing a variety of flu strains and we have good manufacturing capabilities to produce different kinds of medicines.  There is a helpful spirit of cooperation emerging between responders to this health challenge facing us.

We too as the Church have an important opportunity in responding to H1N1.

• First, of course, is to pray.  Pray for those suffering from the flu.  Pray for their families.  Pray for those who care for the ill.  Pray for those who make decisions.  Pray for those who search for a cure.

• Let us continue to proclaim the good news of God’s presence and love.  I suggest reading the Psalms as a part of personal devotions and as a part of the opening prayer at meetings.  Here are some of the Psalms I suggest for this time:  8, 23, 27, 30, 34, 46, 91, 100, 121, 130 and 139.          

• We can encourage healthy behavior in our congregations, especially with the children attending the various church schools.  We also need to clearly express our faith in Christ to lessen the impact of the fear and stress: “be strong and courageous; do not be frightened neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1.

• And we will care and serve our people and others as our congregations do so well.  It is a regular practice in our churches to check in on the sick.  Make meals for those who are unable to do so.  Drive people to the doctor’s office.  Care for another family’s children.  Assist the neighborhood school. And continue to be generous in sharing time, talents and treasure as needs arise.   

        
I give God thanks for your very faithful ministry during these challenging times and always.
                                                 
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.”

In Christ,

Bishop Gary Wollersheim

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