“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6

Siblings in Christ,

Letters in the New Testament begin and end with a wish for grace and peace. Our communication, our relationships, and our witness should bear the grace and peace of Christ. Grace and peace are basic to our moral imagination as followers of Jesus.

Yet once again, we mourn the losses of those lives taken because of a school shooting, and we lament the lack of safety and the anxiety our children must bear because adults cannot create secure environments for education.

Three people, including the suspected the shooter, have died in a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison today.

I believe our society has a fundamental choice between hostility and hospitality, and too many voices are fanning the flames of hostility and violence. Hostility and hospitality both create cycles. I pray that United Methodists bear witness to the way of Jesus, and that we engender cycles of hospitality that make Christ known.

Much is still unknown, but we can pray for the families and communities of all those impacted by this tragedy.

Let us pray,

God of Advent, unto us a child is born to bring peace, and we pray, O God, for the peace and well-being you intend for all creation. We lament the loss of life at another school shooting today, and the number of families grieving the loss of their children because of our violent ways.

God, give us to know your wisdom that we may create secure schools and education accessible for people. Grant us a double portion of your spirit that we may create cycles of hospitality and end cycles of hostility. Make us to know the ways we can be bearers of good news in the power and love we know as Christ. Amen.

Grace and peace to you.

Dan Schwerin, Bishop
Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Area
United Methodist Church