Nearly seven years ago. I was invited to a meeting at a nursing home in western Connecticut called the Lutheran Home of Southbury. Little did I know, at that time, that God was introducing me to a new ministry. The residents of that home and the staff who served them, under the auspices of LSSNE, the Lutheran Social Services of New England, would become the main focus of my daily life up to the present time.
When I reflect on the countless blessings given me over forty-seven years of ordained ministry, I become more aware of the 48 services provided by LSS which have been a blessing to people of all ages, social classes, cultures and religious traditions. Jesus’ “Beatitudes” in the Sermon on the Mount, speak to those whom LSS serves as it reaches out to the bodies, minds and spirits of God’s “anawim” (“little one’s.) LSS has provided blessings, i.e., means of happiness, to the “poor in spirit,” to “those who mourn,” to “the meek,” to “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” “the merciful,” “the pure in heart,” “the peacemakers” and “those who are persecuted for righteousness.”
Jesus completed his teaching, that day, with two statements that I believe, are prophetically addressed to the mission and missionaries of LSS: “you are the salt of the earth” and you are the light of the world.”
Reverend Leo E. McIlrath, Chaplain
The Lutheran Home of Southbury
990 Main Street North
06488