To the editor:

The word for 2020 is “unprecedented,” and it is everywhere. As our small mountain communities remain hunkered down, the innovation of response to meet the needs of many has been a blessing. As pastor to the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake, I have witnessed blessings (grace in action) coming full force.

Here is an example: Our church hosts the community supper, which, along with other church communities and agencies, has been working hard to make certain those who are vulnerable or living marginally are taken care of. Last week I received $1,000 anonymously in the mail to keep things moving. No sooner had I recovered from that, we learned of a grant approval from the Adirondack Foundation in support of our efforts. Along with these great gifts of generosity, there came more in food cards, offerings and offers to help deliver food and do shopping for those who are homebound. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

I learned through a long career in the military that courage is not being unafraid but rising to the need at hand with faith and fortitude. I see it daily here in these courageous hamlets in the mountains. Good people, doing what they know to be right in uncertain times, doing it together, following their hearts. Thank you, anonymous donor, Adirondack Foundation and you many others; be assured your gifts will be used for the many tasks at hand.

The Rev. Eric Olsen

Pastor, First United Methodist Church

Saranac Lake