We welcome letters to the Editor, a chance for members of the community to comment on issues of concern to them. All letters must be original, not duplications of letters addressed to public officials or written by others. The views and opinions expressed are those of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication, its publishers, Editor, or staff.
To the Editor:
The Merrill VFW Post 1638 and Auxiliary recently conducted its Annual Buddy Poppy Drive. We distributed Buddy Poppies near Park City Credit Union/First Street Coffee sign and County Market entrances throughout the week preceding Memorial Day. In this time of ever rising expenses, we were awestruck by the generosity of the people that live in the Merrill and surrounding areas. Please know that every dollar or handful of change goes toward supporting Veterans in need. We, as members of the VFW or Auxiliary, donate our time for this fund drive.
Everyone that donated, thanked us – they said it to us, but the meaning was – Thank you, Veteran, for your service and sacrifice on our behalf – please know that respect and love came along with every dollar. It was heartwarming to see everyone wearing their poppies throughout the week.
Please know that the services made possible through these donations are available to ALL needy veterans, active service members, and their families – not just those who are members of the VFW. A big thank you goes out to the Merrill and surrounding communities for your generosity.
– Denni Radloff, Jill Schmunk, and Kathy Palazzo,
Buddy Poppy Drive Co-Chairpersons
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
It is with a heavy heart that I read in your paper about the two Merrill pastors arrested for sexual assault of minors. Sadly, such news stories have become all too common. They don’t tend to impact us quite so much when they’re about Catholic priests in Boston or Baptist pastors in the deep South. But such crimes committed in our own community hit close to home. Two thoughts come to mind:
1) Those of us called to shepherd God’s people as pastors carry a sacred trust. Authority and influence can easily be abused. No wonder the Apostle Paul said to Timothy, his pastoral apprentice, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:16) Though others should be able to trust us, we should never completely trust ourselves. We need to guard ourselves vigilantly and surround ourselves with godly leaders who keep us accountable.
2) The ultimate good news of the Christian message is not our perfect performance, but Jesus’ perfect performance in our place, inviting us to repent of our sins and be forgiven. Sin is so heinous that only the Son of God’s death could atone for it. When the sexual assault of minors takes place – especially by church leaders – it needs to be called out and condemned. But that doesn’t negate Jesus’ invitation of grace to sinners like us, “Come unto me, you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) Hope remains in the gospel.
– Pastor Andy Perry
Bible Presbyterian Church
Merrill, Wis.
Letters To The Editor Policy:
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Political Letters To The Editor Policy:
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