A Pastoral Message on the Shooting at Annunciation School

Dear friends in Christ,

In our sanctuary, we hold space for the sins of the world and pray for an end to violence. We spent this summer at Faith deep in the stories of Genesis that describe betrayal and pain, yet we also witness incredible encounters of reconciliation and forgiveness. God’s grace overcomes our thirst for vengeance. Our faith holds the pains of the world in an incredible tension.

The actions of a lone shooter who sought unfulfilled retribution against unknown victims has created a senseless tragedy during a time of newness and hope. There is no justification. There aren’t satisfactory answers to the question of ‘why God?’ in this. 

The tragedy in Minneapolis at the church of Annunciation Catholic School has a ripple effect throughout our community and across the country. We assume our school is a place of safety. We believe that church is holy ground and won’t be attacked. As more schools begin next week, there’s a new, unsettled fear that speaks louder than before.

Anunciation has a preschool that is partnered with the Lakes Area Discovery Center that we have at Faith. Founder and CEO, Janet Miller, spent today caring for her staff and families, grateful that nobody from LADC was hurt or killed.

The mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, emotionally shared a plea to not “just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. This kind of act of evil should never happen, and it happens far too often.”

He’s partially right. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. But prayer is our way to enter into the grief of those we don’t know. Prayer is how we speak to God; it’s our voice of anger and grieving to a God that grieves with us. Prayer is our collective energy channeled straight towards a world of injustice. Prayer means we won’t give up.  

God of peace, watch over our partners with LADC and the families and classmates grieving today’s shooting. Give strength to the leaders of Annunciation, the Minneapolis Police and first responders who witnessed the massacre and provided immediate care to prevent further death. Calm the hearts of all those overwhelmed by evil in their hearts that they can be freed to find help and re-direct their actions which often have devastating consequences. Bring peace to our communities, families, and hearts. Amen

If you seek a place for conversation or prayer, join us on Sunday at 9 for worship and stick around afterward to speak with Deacon Nina, Pastor Marlene, or myself. We grieve with alongside each other. God’s peace be with you.

Pastor John