What Can We Do?

August 7, 2019

We are people made of body, mind, and spirit, and it is important to intentionally care for each of these aspects of our whole selves when we’ve been traumatized or hurt by the events around us. News of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton and the ongoing struggles of immigrants and asylum seekers has left many of us numb, horrified, and grieving — and longing for something to do or a place to turn next.

Here are three resources offered as pastoral care to your whole self: a reading for your mind, a rally for your body, and prayers for your spirit.

Reading:

The Reverend Daniel Romero, a pastor in the United Church of Christ and the minister for Faith Formation at First Congregational Church of Minnesota, was our guest preacher at our annual Summer Picnic with Holy Apostles on August 4th at Lake Phalen Park Pavilion. Daniel is deeply engaged in the work of community organizing and activism for immigrant rights and immigration justice in Minnesota. He is an outspoken advocate for immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum in our country, and has become a powerful leader in the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (ICOM) and the Minnesota UCC Immigration team.

Click here to read the full sermon from the Rev. Romero.

Rally:

Minnesota Capitol: Honor Them with Action

A Rally Against Gun Violence and Hate on Wednesday, August 7 from 7-8:30pm at the Minnesota State Capitol South Steps

Stand up against gun violence and hate at this rally co-sponsored by Protect Minnesota and MN Moms Demand Action. We will honor recent victims with calls to action, demanding meaningful gun reform by Congress and our state legislature. Minnesota Gov. Walz, gun violence prevention champions from the legislature and Minnesota’s congressional delegation, student activists, and leaders from law enforcement, immigrant and faith communities will be among the featured speakers calling for immediate passage of stronger gun laws. This rally is co-hosted by the ISAIAH coalition, one of St. John’s Faith in Action partnerships. WEAR ORANGE!

To view the full details of this rally, click here.

Prayer:
Daily Morning Prayer is held each weekday at St. John’s from 8-8:30am in the Chapel. The readings and prayers invite us to steep ourselves in the themes of the Christian faith and listen for the voice of God speaking to us.

We offer this prayer for our troubled spirits:
Loving God, you are the author and sustainer of our lives. You know the anguish of the sorrowful; you are attentive to the prayers of the brokenhearted. Hear your people who cry out to you in their need; strengthen their hope in your lasting goodness.We pray for those who have died because of vile acts of terrorism. Draw them to yourself; let your face shine upon them. May they be greeted with choirs of angels and experience your eternal peace and joy.Be near to all those who have been touched by terrorism: those who have been hurt, lost their loved ones or lost their sense of security. Be for them a steady comfort and safe resting place.Soften the hearts and steady of the minds of those who would do violence to others. May hate be replaced with love, violence with peace, and darkness with your light. Amen.

Source unknown-possibly The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet- Los Angeles Province

If you have pastoral care needs or prayer requests, you can always reach out to the church staff or clergy, including Craig Lemming or Terry Dinovo.

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