Responding to the Spring Grove Tragedy
Dearly beloved,
Yesterday, five of our Northern Regional Police Officers were harmed while performing their civic responsibilities. Three of them died, leaving grieving families, friends and co-workers behind. Two of them remain hospitalized.
What do we do in light of such a tragedy that we face as a York Community? We look to Jesus for help and follow his example for guidance
We encourage you to read John 11:1-44. Meditate on how Jesus engaged in the tragedy of his friend’s death. In a very real way, we are all like Mary and Martha, suffering unspeakable loss. And Jesus shows up to us to offer hope, weep with us, pray for us and extend his healing love.
As the church in a community facing such sadness, we are invited to follow his example: to show up, to offer hope, to weep with the weeping, to pray and to extend God’s healing love.
Show up.
It was risky for Jesus to show up for Lazarus because there was a conspiracy against his own life. Despite the risk, Jesus showed up and met the grieving sisters. As our community wrestles with this tragedy, the church has the opportunity to show up to the grieving families, friends and co-workers of the victims.
Offer hope.
In the face of death, Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life, the one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (14:25). As we engage our community, watch for opportunities to point to Jesus as the source of hope and life.
Weep with the weeping.
“Jesus wept” is one of the most profound images of scripture (John 11:35). He claimed to be “Resurrection and the Life” and knew that he had the power to bring Lazarus back, but his heart broke with the broken hearts of those there. As we show up, one of the best things we can do is feel the hurt with the hurting. And remind them, “Jesus weeps too.”
Pray to the Father.
At the tomb Jesus prayed a grateful prayer to his Father. As we tend the grieving, pour out your hearts in prayer. Jesus did not do ministry in his own strength, and neither can we. Pray for the grieving families, friends and co-workers of the victims. Don’t forget to pray for those connected with the perpetrator too.
Extend his healing love.
Jesus did something amazing and brought Lazarus back from the dead. While our fallen brothers will have to wait until the resurrection to come back from the grave, we can extend Jesus’ healing love to those who remain by writing cards, giving to the suffering families, standing beside those affected, and reaching out to those we know who are dealing with this pain.
Pray and Grieve as a Community.
Jesus saw Mary and the Jews, who had come alongside her, weeping. He was moved in spirit and troubled. Then he wept with them. There is healing when we grieve together and remember together. Here are some opportunities to weep as a community:
· Spring Grove Alliance Church has a vigil set to take place tonight, Thursday, September 18 at 7:00pm. The address is 213 N. Main St. in Spring Grove Borough.
· St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church has a prayer service planned tonight, Thursday, September 18 at 7:00pm. The address is 201 S. Main St in Spring Grove Borough.
· Here at Stillmeadow, this Sunday we will have a special time of prayer in our services at 9am and 10:30am at Stillmeadow Lane or at 11am at York City Campus.
· This Tuesday night, September 23 at 7pm we are devoting our Prayer Night to pray for all affected by this violence and to grieve as a community. Join us in the worship center at Stillmeadow Lane.
· Seek out support of those in our community. If you need pastoral prayer or support during this time, please contact any pastor on staff or the church office. Pastor Josh will be away this weekend on a pre-planned retreat. Pastor Steve and other members of the pastoral staff will be available Sunday at Stillmeadow Lane. Pastor Jade and his leadership team will be available Sunday at York City Campus.
Praying for peace,
The Pastoral Staff at Stillmeadow