ORUCC Pastoral Prayer & Letter

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Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Spiritually Alive, Joyfully Inclusive, Committed to Justice

Pastoral Note & Prayer

Dear ORUCC Beloveds,

Our hearts are broken as we hear the unfolding news of the school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) on the East Side of Madison, Wisconsin. ALCS is a K-12 school with little kids and big kids and teachers and administrators who have this horrific experience right before their Christmas break. The police under Chief Barnes are notifying parents now while the news breaks. All of Madison and others across the country who have been through the tragedy of gun violence and school shootings, in Parkland, in Sandyhook, in Uvalde and beyond, are witnessing this tragedy and remembering their own tragedies. We are all connected in our grief and outrage and horror. We know at this point there are 5 fatalities and 5 injuries, including the student who did the shooting. This is unbelievably painful.

It is hard to know how to talk to children about this unspeakable violence, but we know they feel it too. Here is a prayer that you can read or adapt for your family this day.

Dear God,

We are entering the season where God comes to us as a child, through Jesus Christ. Jesus was born to Mary in a barn with animals surrounding them; a light to the world. We hold this sacred story in our hearts, a story of Peace and a story of God’s great Love for the world.

Today we pray for all the students at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin who suffered through a school shooting today. Our hearts are so sad, and it is OK to feel any big feelings we have. Let us take time to care for ourselves and each other. Let us hug our families and friends extra today. May God’s peace and comfort be with every student and teacher and with anyone who feels afraid.

God loves every child and is with every child through times that are joyful and times that are scary. When scary things happen in the world, God is with each person who is afraid and who gets hurt. God’s presence is always with every single one of us. May we find and create places that are safe and create a world of Peace, the world God dreams through Jesus and through us.

As we celebrate this Advent and Christmas season, may we draw near to the stories of a baby born in a barn, of God coming to us in our vulnerability. May we find ways, even amidst the tragedies of this world, to experience Joy, Peace, Hope and Love. God is with us, Emmanuel, Amen.

With Love,

Pastor Julia (Kate & Ken as well)

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

1501 Gilbert Road

Madison, WI 53711

Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30

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