Seeking the Spirit’s Help: Gun Violence

May 21, 2018 Uncategorized

The Texas school shooting on May 18 was the 22^nd school shooting in the US thus far in 2018. Each year, 2737 children and youth die from gun violence—7 per day. School shootings grab our attention, but it is daily gun violence that kills the vast majority of young victims. Black children are ten times more likely than white children to be killed by gun violence.

As Christians, how do we respond to these horrific facts? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, and even numb in the face of such devastating news.

But we are not alone. As Pentecost day reminds us, God has sent the Holy Spirit into our midst to be our teacher, advocate, enabler, and guide. The Holy Spirit is given to the Christian community collectively, not as an individual possession. Trusting in the Holy Spirit’s presence, I invite you to join me on Thursday, June 14 at 7 PM in the Parish Hall for a time of prayer and conversation about the scourge of gun violence in our nation that is killing our young people. The meeting will be a time for prayer, for listening to one another, and most importantly, for listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we discern together how we can respond—either individually or as a group—to the ongoing loss of precious lives. All are welcome. Please come.

Anne+