In the Wake of Tragedy

Dear Friends,

By now we've all heard about the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School and Parish yesterday morning when an active shooter fired many gunshots into the sanctuary of the church where children were worshipping as they began their first day of school. There are things we know, and so many we don't. I don't need to restate the facts for you, but I do want to lift up a few things, as we all process the secondary trauma of this horrific event.

First, is that I am holding you all in prayer, especially those of you with children and grandchildren. We're a congregation full of educators, school staff, therapists, and healthcare providers, so I want to acknowledge you, as well, and the incredible work you do to keep our kids safe, accompany them through difficult times, and provide healing. I've reached out to our staff at the St. Paul's Childhood Center, and will continue to do so. Please let me know if you need support. God weeps with those who weep, and mourns with those who mourn.

Second, I want you to know that this kind of event, in such close proximity to us, reminds us of the risks we encounter every day. Many of our ushers did an active shooter training and stay aware of suspicious activity in the Narthex during worship. We have a Ministry Board meeting tonight and will talk about security, including reminders to Nursery Staff and Sunday School teachers to lock doors in the Ark and Upper Room. We take these issues seriously, and also balance them with our call to extravagant welcome.

Third, I want to reflect on how this shooting may be discussed in our city and nation, given that the shooter (domestic terrorist), Robin Westman, was, we think, a trans person. We are an Open and Affirming Church, which means we have done, and continue to do the work, to realize justice for our LGBTQIA+ siblings. There will be some who blame this act of terror on Robin Westman's gender identity. This is wrong, plain and simple, it does massive harm to all trans people, and we must actively work against this rhetoric, and support our trans community by speaking out and sharing our love.

Fourth, because I know you all, and how beautiful your hearts are, I can imagine you want to do something. What I'm hearing at the moment is that Twin Cities hospitals are in desperate need of blood. Locate your nearest Memorial Blood Center, or the American Red Cross to donate as soon as possible. Also, check in with the people you know who might be struggling with mental health. Tell them their lives matter, that they are loved, and ask them plainly and mercifully if they are a danger to themselves or others. These check ins save lives. And, finally, I beg of you to safely relinquish your guns if you own them -- at the very least, make sure they are locked up. We can no longer afford not to talk about guns in straightforward ways.

I will be gone this Sunday, which breaks my heart, because I want to worship with you and cry with you. I'm going to spend time with my family, and I know that when I come back I'll be a better pastor for you.

Now, I want to end by reminding you of good things. Last night at church our Book Club cried and processed and supported one another, and talked about keeping God's dreams alive. Then, when we were leaving, I saw that our friends from Holy Presence had gathered in the Chapel for a Vigil. They shared communion together, and remembered Jesus, his followers, and the story of our faith, which is also a story of death and the promise of resurrection. Then, this morning, I was running and saw some students from Minnehaha Academy along the Creek. Knowing that two of our members are teachers there, and that they had a really hard lockdown yesterday, I took out my earbuds and told the teachers and kids, "we love you! have a great day at school!" Yes, I was that crazy lady on the pedestrian trail, but what could it hurt? Let's shout love to one another now, whenever, and wherever we can, because God is still speaking, and we must, too.

Love,

Rev. Sarah