|
The Rt. Rev. J. Russell Kendrick, Bishop of the Central Gulf Coast, writes about a crash that injured several members of a high-school band:
Some of the band members belong to local Episcopal churches. They are all fine. Along with other local clergy, the Rev. Jeff Garner, rector of Holy Spirit in Gulf Shores, has been involved with the care being extended to the students at the schools. Out of great suffering can come renewed strength, rekindled trust, and newfound hope. From all accounts I have read, Gulf Shores is discovering that as a community.
Such indiscriminate tragedy is unexplainable, but we are not helpless. I call on the churches of our diocese to include a petition in this Sunday’s prayers. Here is a suggestion: “We pray especially for all those involved in the parade accident in Gulf Shores. We pray for the teenagers recovering from injuries, especially the teenagers who remain in the hospital. We pray for those who are dealing with the invisible wounds and emotional pain that will linger much longer. We give thanks for those who responded in care and concern. We pray for the anguished soul of the driver. We pray for God’s power of healing to enfold and restore all who hurt.”
