Judy Russell: One never knows how the written word can affect others
Just about the time I consider “retiring” again, this time from writing this column as a freelancer, something occurs that makes me reconsider the idea.
Thus it was in recent months when two readers were so affected by columns about grief that they wrote to me via emails to my editors.
One of them is a man from the southwest side of Oshkosh. He wrote to “let you know how much I enjoy reading your weekly column in the Oshkosh Northwestern. I don’t know whether you write your column with a certain audience in mind, but as I settle into my mid-40s, there’s a certain existential quality to your writings which I especially take comfort in. This week’s piece, regarding the timing of grief, struck a chord with me as I recall my late father who’s been gone for nearly 15 years.”
This man describes himself as a Christian who isn’t a regular church attendee. He’s also a big fan of the Green Bay Packers, “which I know you also actively follow.”
In closing, he wrote, “Thank you again for your contributions to our community.”
Then, there was an email from a woman in Ohio who recently subscribed to the Oshkosh Northwestern online.
“What a wonderful discovery to find your column,” she wrote.
She said it’s been more than 40 years since she left Oshkosh.
“With your recent column, I just had to write to you to express my appreciation,” she said. “While I haven’t been home in more than 10 years, I still communicate with Oshkosh cousins. We are at the age when so many friends and family are passing away, so it was very timely to read your column, 'Loss comes with age.' ... And, I want you to know how meaningful your column was to me.
“The last of my local friends died last fall,” she continued. “So, my cousins want me to move back to Oshkosh, thinking I am all alone. I wasn’t sure how to respond, and then you gave me the answer. In the last paragraph, you state ‘a person who is needed — really needed — is never lonely, never isolated, never without purpose in life.’ That’s me! I am never lonely and only occasionally feel isolated. I’m very active with Angels for Animals, a cat/dog charity, and I’m on the board of the local Alzheimer’s organization.
“When I finally move back to Oshkosh, I’m sure I will continue to make myself available ‘to the world that is waiting for us. ...‘ Thanks so much for your inspiring words.”
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According to information in the Peace Lutheran Church newsletter, the Oshkosh church and the UW Oshkosh Head Start program at Peace have signed a five-year renewal on the current lease. “This renewal means that the Head Start program will remain at Peace through the 2028-29 school year. Retaining the Head Start program as a tenant ... is mutually beneficial. ... Our church is able to serve the families of our community by being a public space for this important early childhood education program.” Additionally, funds from the lease help offset costs for maintenance, updates and utilities for the church’s large building.
First Congregational Church in Oshkosh will host the Wisconsin Gospellers and German guests in its sanctuary July 9. Collectively known as the Gospeller Choir, the group includes singers from FCC churches across Wisconsin. The choir, including guests from Essen, Germany, will have a workshop at First Congregational on July 9, then give a concert that night at 6:30 p.m. They will be joined by a few University of Wisconsin Oshkosh gospel singers from Divine Voices of the Valley. FCC is looking for families to host the guests from Germany and the Wisconsin Gospellers who live far from Oshkosh. Housing is needed from July 7 until July 10. If you are interested in being a host, email to [email protected].
A “once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage” will pass through the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay June 12-18 as part of the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage will travel to various sites in northeastern Wisconsin, including Camp Tekakwitha, St. Norbert Abbey, the diocesan offices in Green Bay, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the Carmelite Monastery at Denmark, Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Monastery, and Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc, as well as several parishes along the route. The pilgrims are scheduled to arrive at 1 p.m. June 16 at Champion, with Mass at 2 p.m., followed by a Eucharistic Procession, light social and Adoration until 7 p.m. For the full itinerary of daily events open to the public, visit gbdioc.org.
As part of Feeding Hungry Kids 2024, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church of Oshkosh will serve residents at the Edison Estates Mobile Home Park, 1940 Snell Road, on Mondays this summer, when the school food program no longer offers breakfast or lunch. The church has adapted the program to include a grocery bag filled with items it hopes will cover five days of breakfast and lunch. The items given are expected to allow children or parents to prepare their own food. The program will operate from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. July 15, 22 and 29, and Aug. 5 and Aug. 12. Any remaining bags will be dropped off at the Logan Drive Office. The church is preparing 30 bags per day and offering underwear, socks and hygiene products on the last day. If you would like to donate money to Feeding Hungry Kids, checks can be written out to Christ Our Savior and in the memo line put “Feeding Hungry Kids.” Send it to the church at 1860 Wisconsin St., Oshkosh, WI 54901.
During Lent, the Religious Education grades at St. Jude Parish in Oshkosh competed against one another in a Penny War. This year, the Penny War money, totaling $839.27, was donated toward the larger parish almsgiving project, Wells of Salvation. As a parish St. Jude raised $16,100 to support two wells that will provide years of clean water to people in Malawi and Zambia.
A St. Norbert College Alumni Retreat, sponsored by St. Norbert Abbey and the college, will begin at 4 p.m. July 11 and end at 11 a.m. July 14, at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality. Hosted by the Alumni Office and the Center for Spirituality, alumni and spouses are welcome to attend. The cost, including presentations, tours, room and meals is $425 for alumni, $700 for alumni and spouse. Registration closes June 27. For more info, or to register, email to [email protected] or call 920-337-4300.
Thought for the Day: Only God knows what our life will be like tomorrow.
Judy Russell of Oshkosh writes about happenings at area centers of worship. To submit news for her consideration, email [email protected] with the subject “Church news.” Deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Judy Russell: One never knows how the written word can affect others
