United Church in Tallahassee

We received this email from Kathy Lawes, Acting Association Minister, Prairie Association, Illinois Conference, UCC regarding the recent tragedy at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.

“We Grieve Together.”

These are the words on the signboard in front of First Congregational UCC, DeKalb.

The ongoing shock is palpable in the community. The sense of security that we have enjoyed and even taken for granted has been shattered. Yesterday afternoon, as four news helicopters hovered over the NIU campus, other helicopters were transporting several of the injured students from our local hospital to hospitals that could better handle the particular injuries suffered. The air was thick with helicopters, fear and uncertainty; for a while it did indeed feel like DeKalb was under siege.

Local faith communities stepped forward quickly to assist students, faculty and parishioners sort through their own disbelief and horror. Candlelight vigils, prayer services, and community-wide gatherings of worship and remembrance have drawn people together in the face of tragedy. Dawn Jones, campus minister at NIU and in-care with Prairie Association, was been present on campus … and continues to offer comfort and care to many. Six large white crosses, draped with purple sashes, stand in front of the Lutheran Campus Ministry building in the center of campus, and the site of our United Campus Ministry outreach.

Thank you for the many expressions of love, concern and support during this horrific time. We are grateful in DeKalb for the outpouring of concern and care, for the promises of prayers, for the assurance that our pain here is shared and borne by others.

In this time of tragedy, John’s words are particularly poignant and comforting: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” It is the light of God’s love, who surely weeps with us; it is the light of Christ’s resurrection, the miracle of love that followed senseless violence; it is the light of the Holy Spirit reflected in the hearts of those who grieve, who seek not retribution, who work for healing among shattered people.

Your prayers are real to us. Thank you.