The Texas
school shooting on May 18 was the 22nd 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+
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