Simon’s Says
Like yours, my heart was broken again at the news of the school shootings in Georgia earlier this week. Not only is it a horrible way to begin the school year, it is equally horrible that this is no longer an uncommon occurrence. You don’t have to be anti-gun to lament the all-too-easy access to them, but I believe the case can still be made for more sensible gun laws. Nonetheless, we mourn with and pray for those who have been impacted, whether family, friends, classmates, teachers, neighbors and members of the wider community. All of life is a precious gift, and as stewards of all that God has given us, we want to do all we can to preserve that gift for everyone.
But there is also good news in our world. I read just this morning that the US has secured the release of 135 political prisoners being held in Nicaragua. Among those freed were 13 church workers and other Catholic laypeople, as well as a clutch of indigenous forest rangers, imprisoned for advocating for the safe and sustainable care for creation, in this instance, local rainforest. We can be grateful that their unjust imprisonment has been nullified, and continue to pray for political prisoners everywhere.
Finally, remember we will have our annual church picnic after worship this Sunday, come rain or shine (the latest weather report promises the latter)! Come Sunday morning with a dish to share and join us for some great table fellowship as the new church year commences.
Links to Sunday’s bulletin and service are here: