We gather for worship today. Just like our brothers and sisters in Christchurch New Zealand did on Friday. The last words one of the faithful said that day was, “Peace, brother.” Just before the gunman ended his life.
We will pray this morning at church for all those who suffer from this recent killing, and for all who worship in fear of the hatred of another. We must put an end to the hate speech and vitriol which ignites these killings. It is up to us. People of faith have so many avenues to explore God’s love. It is deep and wide. We will talk at Holy Cross today about the love of the early Irish monks who had a deep love to share with others, and were able to respect the traditions of the people they served while loving their God. We will talk about Jesus’ love for us being like a mother hen gathering her chicks under her feathers. And we will cry out in anquish for our brothers and sisters in Christchurch. We are church. We are church together. You are welcome today, friend, at 9:30 am, at 1998 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, OR 97303 www.holycrosslutheran-salem.net 503 364 6041. Bless you.