A Service of Prayer & Lament

Dear friends and family of SOTH,

In the last week, there has been tragic loss of life in Iraq, Bangladesh, Turkey & Malaysia due to terrorist activity during the holy month of Ramadan.

Closer to home, there has been tragedy in our streets in Baton Rouge & Minneapolis.  The deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile call all of us to lament and pray.

In that light, the ELCA is inviting all of you to join in a time of prayer and lament tomorrow July 8 at 12:30 PM EDT (11:30 CDT).  If you are able to join us at Shepherd of the Hills, please do.  This will be broadcast in the sanctuary.

I am including the link and the invitation here so that you may join us as you are able where you are working or vacationing.  There are also links for statements from other bishops and information on how to begin the conversation – while painful – is necessary for us to grow into the kingdom that we pray for, into the full body of Christ that we claim through our baptism.

From the ELCA:
http://elca.org/blacklivesmatter 

Watch live and join us in prayer as we gather at 11:30 a.m. (CDT) on Friday July, 8th for a service of Prayer and Lament at the churchwide office of the ELCA.

Praying and lamenting the ongoing violence in our world and across our country.

Praying and lamenting the loss of lives due to gun violence and racism.

Praying and lamenting for the needs of the whole human family.  

Please join us in prayer.

Blessings,
Pastor Tina