St. Paul's Episcopal Church
  • About
  • Worship
  • Our Ministries
  • News
  • Stewardship
  • Resources
  • Preschool
  • About
  • Worship
  • Our Ministries
  • News
  • Stewardship
  • Resources
  • Preschool

News

Pastoral Response to Texas Elementary School Shooting

Ascension Day
May 26, 2022

 

Dear Friends,

We, the clergy of St. Paul’s, are writing in light of yet another school shooting, this time in Uvalde, Texas. This one follows the massacres in Buffalo, NY and Laguna Woods, CA last week. Like many of you, we are filled with grief for the lives lost and for the families who mourn them. Our hearts go out to the many communities torn apart by such acts of wanton violence. 

We are also weary of leaders who fold their hands in prayer but offer to do little else. “They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,” the prophet Jeremiah proclaims, “saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace” (Jer 6:14). Our baptismal vows call us to prayer coupled with action, not silence. We reject empty rhetoric that perpetuates unspeakable violence and enables federal legislative paralysis on gun policy. 

Our bishops  +Sam and +Anne offer the following response: 

 “It is possible the U.S. Senate will take up debate on legislation that could help reduce the frequency and lethalness of mass shootings. An example would be the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021, a bill that would require more extensive background checks on gun purchases. While the chances of the Senate actually enacting sensible gun policy may seem remote, our senators need to hear from us and know the passion in our hearts and the determination in their communities that steps must be taken to protect the safety of our citizens from the dangers of guns in the hands of those driven by evil in its various forms… It is time to make our voices heard, and do not doubt our voices matter. Today, those who need to hear them most are in our Senate. Let Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis know that what happened in Uvalde, what happened in Buffalo, what happened in Parkland and Sandy Hook and Charleston and too many other places has to stop. Make a call, send an email or write a letter. The Episcopal Church offers resources, including Church positions, for you to use as guidance.”

CONTACT SENATORS BURR AND TILLIS

On this Feast of the Ascension, let us remember the Risen Christ, who sent the Holy Spirit among us to comfort those who mourn. And let us take courage in the Spirit who enables us to witness to God’s redeeming work: not solely in prayer, but in word and action. 

The Rev. George Adamik
The Rev. Javier Almendarez-Bautista
The Rev. Alice Graham Grant
The Rev. Candy Snively
The Rev. Antoinette Wike


A Prayer for Uvalde

O God our Father, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust your beloved children of Uvalde to your everlasting care and love, and bring them fully into your heavenly kingdom. Pour out your grace and loving-kindness on all who grieve; surround them with your love; and restore their trust in your goodness. We lift up to you our weary, wounded souls and ask you to send your Holy Spirit to take away the anger and violence that infects our hearts, and make us instruments of your peace and children of the light. In the Name of Christ who is our hope, we pray. Amen.

The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed, Bishop of West Texas

 

Tags: From the Clergy

You might also like

  • “Hope is a song in a weary throat.” - May 13, 2022
  • Hope for the Journey: Keeping the Feast - April 29, 2022
  • Hope for the Journey: Implications of Jesus on the Cross - April 14, 2022
  • The Prodigal’s Mother - March 29, 2022

Wednesday Evening Book Study: Nadia Bolz-Weber’s Pastrix

Weekly Update May 27,2022: A Letter from the Rector

2022 Stewardship

Pledge Online

Direct Donation

Weekly Updates

➤ Rector’s Weekly Update
➤ This week’s prayer list

Worship Service

➤ Sign-Up for In-Person Worship
➤ Altar Flowers Donation

Photos

View parish photos on Smugmug.

Search Site

Recent Homilies

Fear Can Be Our Teacher

Fear Can Be Our Teacher

June 20, 2022
  • by Rev. Alice Graham Grant
The sudden transformation of others can be frightening to us. What happens when
What Picture Will You Use of Me

What Picture Will You Use of Me

June 12, 2022
  • by Rev. George Adamik
Trinity Sunday invites us into reimagining God as The Divine Dance.
Releasing Control

Releasing Control

June 5, 2022
  • by Rev. Alice Graham Grant
In the Spirit , God joins us in the uncontrollable parts of our lives to both co

Archived Homilies are here

Contact

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
221 Union St., Cary, NC 27511

Phone: 919-467-1477
Fax: 919-467-0152
Office Hours: M-F 9-3

Summer Worship Schedule

7:30 a.m. Sunday Service
9:00 a.m. Sunday Service
10:45 a.m. Sunday Service

View information about our services and COVID-19 guidelines.

Join us for our livestreamed service at 9:00 AM on Sundays on Facebook.

Site Map
Copyright © St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Cary, NC