Dear Faithful People of Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church:
The massacre of children and teachers in Uvalde yesterday cannot be ignored by Christ’s Church and will not be ignored by us at Christ the King Church either. I write to invite you to take the following actions this weekend. Below, please find resources for personal and communal actions.
First, weep with those who weep.
Second, pray.
Third, attend an Interfaith Rally (yes, it’s a protest) on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston where the National Rifle Association is holding its annual meeting. We’re making attending this rally as easy as we are able.
- We are arranging for carpooling to enable as many as possible to get to, get back from, and participate in this rally. Please arrive in the back parking lot (Greenbriar) of Christ the King Church no later than 11:30 a.m. this Friday. Some of us will need to drive so all of us can attend.
- Please register yourself via this link.
Note this information from the planners:
General schedule:
1-1:15pm – gather and pray outside the Convention Center
1:15-1:30 pm – silent march as a group through the Convention Center and back to gathering spot
1:30pm – memorialize the victims with a time of reflection
Parking (If you drive yourself):
The George R. Brown Convention Center has great information on parking, including street parking in downtown Houston: https://www.grbhouston.com/attendees/parking-maps-and-directions/
Safety:
1) It’s supposed to be hot, so bring water and wear sunscreen!
2) This is a peaceful protest, but it is a volatile issue, so people may react poorly. Having a friend is always good protest practice to stay safe.
Here are some resources for scriptural reflection and prayer.
- Jeremiah 31:15-17 Rachel weeps for her children
- Psalm 124 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Ps. 124:7)
- 1 Peter 4:12-19 Continue to do good while suffering
- Matthew 2:13-18 Herod kills the innocent children in Bethlehem
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the innocent children of Bethlehem by order of King Herod. Receive into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims. By your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Readings and Prayer of the Day, Holy Innocents, martyrs: ELW page 54)
Gracious God, the news of these days has ripped our hearts and torn our souls.
We are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. In the depths of pain and anger, we gather before you, O God, our rock and our refuge.
You are our only comfort. You are our only hope.
We have only begun to mourn those we have lost.
The names of the victims of violence may included here.
Uphold all those who love them, we pray.
Faithful God, surround us with your everlasting arms.
Hear our cries of despair, heed our calls for justice, and do not let us lose hope,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray. Amen.
(cf. ELCA worship: All Creation Sings, p. 64: Service after a Violent Event)
Finally, please know that at all our Sunday liturgies, we will lament and pray for the victims.
Ora et labore, dear friends: Pray and work!
Amandus J. Derr
Interim Senior Pastor