Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those affected by the senseless violence in the Florida school shooting. We pray for peace in our world. We pray that our students continue to feel safe and supported and loved in our schools. I thank our school and board staff for all they do to tend to the students entrusted to our care. - Brian Beal, Director of Education

A reading from the book of Psalms (Psalm 65):

O God, you are our rescuer, and the people at the far ends of the earth, and those beyond the distant seas, put their trust in you.  By your power, you established the mountains firmly, and you are clothed in strength. You calm the raging of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the chaos of earth’s peoples. Those who live at the furthest corners of the earth stand in awe of Your miracles; You make the lands of sunrise and sunset shout for joy, and You take care of the earth and its peoples.

-- The Word of the Lord.

PRAYER:

God of power, Lord of mercy,

in moments like these, we come before you,

broken-hearted and devastated at the violence and destruction

that have once again shaken our world.

We pray for the 17 people who were killed yesterday,

for their families and friends, and their whole school community.

Mercifully welcome home those who have died,

and guide the hands of those who are using their skill to heal the injured.

To all those who have been shocked and saddened by these terrible events,

grant comfort, reassurance and faith.

Transform the hearts of the violent,

and help us to be builders of peace and healers of brokenness,

Help us to remember that you are the one in whom we can trust,

for your love is unshakeable,

and your care for us is unending.

All glory is yours, Lord of healing and Master of every human heart,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.