Our collective hearts grieve for the deaths of lives lost in the most recent gun shootings in America. Ten lives cut down as they shopped for groceries in Buffalo, New York. Nineteen children and two adults killed in school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX. As their names flash across our TV screens and media, it is hard to fathom the loss of life. The loss of potential. The loss of dreams. 

Our collective hearts grieve.

This coming Sunday, we will be spending a time in silence at the beginning of our worship services and a bell will ring for each life lost. Our flag will also be at half-mast throughout the weekend as we remember their lives, as well as the lives of those who have fought for freedom during this Memorial Day weekend.

Our collective hearts grieve.

For certainly each bell rung is one too many. For each life lost a promise of life has been stolen. For each one grieved a family mourns.

In searching for a Biblical passage for you during these times, I offer up the shortest verse in the New Testament, “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35).

Our collective hearts grieve.

As a people, as a nation, we must do better. As a people, as children of God, we must say emphatically, “Enough!” Enough to the senseless deaths and the grief. Enough to the senselessness of grandmothers, grandfathers, teachers and babies being killed in places that should be safe.

Our collective hearts grieve.

Blessings, 

Pastor Lauren J. Wrightsman

If you or a loved one are in need of mental health care, please reach out to a mental health crisis center. NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) is a wonderful resource. 

Call the team in your area:

• Anoka County: 763-755-3801
• Carver County: 952-442-7601
• Dakota County: 952-891-7171
• Washington County: 651-275-7400
• Ramsey County: adults – 651-266-7900, children – 651-266-7878
• Scott County: 952-818-3702