Sunday, December 16, 2012

Thank you

Saturday's prayer service was well attended by both those seeking peace and the media. Our decision to let the media participate was to ensure the church's message of peace and grace got out during this troubling time.

Of course, it was a circus.

This morning's service was well attended as well sans media. I am very thankful that those media representatives that were present outside the church were respectful of our wishes. The service was quiet and normal; it provided great comfort to those that attended.

Thanks to the many of you around the world who have left voicemails, emails, facebook posts, and posts on this blog. Your words and prayers are a great comfort.

May God bless you all.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I live very far away from the terrible events that have occurred in your peaceful town. I want to express my deepest sorrow to all the familes, friends, and close relatives in the loss of so many lives. I too am a parent and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the Lord give great Comfort and strength as you all go through the coming days.
God Bless you all.
A very concerned American in Vancouver WA

Anonymous said...

There are many people of faith who are praying for the clergy of Newton who have the very difficult task of speaking words of comfort and hope while struggling with their own pain and sense of hoplessness. I hope knowing there are others lifting you up will give you the strength to channel God's love and healing to the people of Sandy Hook. Rev. Bob

Anonymous said...

Prayers offered for your grieving community by us at the Carol Service of the Anglican Church in Basel, Switzerland

Anonymous said...

The Lord bless you and keep you.

Rev. Joanne said...

On behalf of myself and the deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, we send Advent prayers of hope in a time of darkness. Thank you for all that you are doing at St. John's to be a gathering place and a source of comfort during a time of suffering that is hard to fathom. May you be blessed and others through you. The Venerable Dr. Joanne Leslie, Archdeacon.

Unknown said...

I want to pass on most sincere condolences to all of the people of Sandy Hook on behalf of St. Augustine's Anglican Church in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. We pray that God will give you strength and comfort at this most difficult time.

Rev. Bob Earle

Anonymous said...

Can somebody please explain how and why do we thank god even after such horrific events. Why would god let these events take place. What good are prayers for safety security and blessings when god doesn't grant those wishes. I m sick to my stomach because of this - I can not find anything that helps. I just feel its a just a pacifier that how this life is temporary etc.

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers as we lift up the victims, the parents, friends, grandparents the shooter & his mother to the grace and love of Jesus Christ. May all in your congregation know that even while you are reaching out to those who are hurting all around you, we are praying for you and supporting you through Christ. We all are one. We all are sad. We all know there will be peace in the Lord's love one day. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Bemidji, MN.

The Rev. Hollis Wright said...

The people of St. Matthew's, Grand Junction, CO send their love and prayers. We grieve with you, although we don't truly know your grief. May the peace that passes all understanding find its way to you all.

Should Fish More said...

We're thinking of all the families and those trying to help them out here in Montana also. Our hearts go out to them and you.
Mike

guerry mcC said...

As a member of the EpiscopalChurch
in Nashville, TN, I am so, so, so sorry for your unmeasurable loss and grief. I believe we should include a prayer for these 20 children and 6 adults by name
every Sunday. And, for an indefin-
ate period of time. I am SO very heartbroken for you,for the adults and the precious,bless-ed children who did not even know evil!
This unspeakable, unthinkable, unnecessary, inconceivable, evil act against your/our most innocent of citizens, our CHILDREN, cries out to us to SAVE our country...
for the children! For the children!
I am a grandfather, and have shaken
my head,prayed,and cried inside for these babies..and the adults who valiantly tried to stop this evil act, ever since Fri morning. And, we all must do our part, no matter how small.

The Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga said...

We will pray for your congregation and clergy by name on Sunday at St. Luke's in Hollister, California. You are held in God's love and in our prayers for healing and peace with all our hearts.
--The Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga

The Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga said...

We will pray for your congregation and clergy by name on Sunday and for many Sundays to come. You are held in God's love and in our prayers with all our heart-- for peace, and for healing. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do.
--The Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga