Greetings in Christ Jesus our Redeemer and Lord.

Especially after the recent horrific attack of students, faculty, and staff while they were praying during the school day in Minneapolis, the words of this hymn by Joy Patterson (b. 1931) may provide a helpful focus for us:

When aimless violence takes those we love,
When random death strikes childhood’s promise down,
When wrenching loss becomes our daily bread,
We know, O God, You leave us not alone.

Because Your Son knew agony and loss,
Felt desolation, grief and scorn and shame,
We know You will be with us, come what may,
Your loving presence near, always the same.

Through long grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord,
To trust Your grace for courage to endure,
To rest our souls in Your supporting love,
And find our hope within Your mercy sure.

("When Aimless Violence Takes Those We Love," Lutheran Service Book 764:1,4,5)

As we pray for all victims and for all who mourn, let us seek our Lord for safety, healing, strength, and justice that come through the crucified, risen, ascended, and returning Lord Jesus Christ, especially as many people are returning to schools throughout the Atlantic District.

"and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me." (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

You are in my prayers. Our Lord bless and keep you.

Peace and hope in Christ Jesus,
Bishop Taylor