When aimless violence
takes those we love,
When random death strikes
childhood's promise down,
When wrenching loss
becomes our daily bread,
We know, O God, you leave
us not alone.
Because your Son knew
agony and loss,
Felt desolation, grief
and scorn and shame,
We know you will be with
us, come what may,
Your loving presence
near, always the same.
Through long
grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord,
To trust your grace for
courage to endure,
To rest our souls in your
supporting love,
And find our hope within
your mercy sure.
(from Lutheran Service Book, #764)
The violent deaths of 33
young adults on the campus of Virginia Tech has stunned and saddened our
country. The words of the hymn above help us to ground our grief and shock
in God's great heart, his love for all people. The Cross and resurrection
of Jesus continues to speak to our world, not only to the world's violence
and death, but also its longing for healing and a new
creation.
'Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Lord, grant us your peace.'
THIS
SUNDAY: Our joy in Christ's resurection contnues as we
celebrate Preschool
Sunday. The children of Redeemer Preschool will sing
for us, and brighten our sanctuary with their colorful pictures or
creation. Sunday is also Earth
Day, and we will join our songs in praise of God for this
incredibly beautiful, but fragile, world which he has entrusted to us.
Join us for a great worship experience!
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE for the May 'Spirit Call' newsletter is Friday,
April 20. Nothing submitted after that date will
be published in our May newsletter. "A word to the wise..."
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING is scheduled following our worship on
April 29. This is the meeting at which we will
discuss and adopt a Mission and Ministry Plan (budget) for fiscal year
2007 - 2008. Please review the budget sheets posted on the bulletin board
as preparation for the meeting.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER
WEEK: We are in the middle of this annual recognition
of the billions of hours given by volunteers in this country for countless
charities and community efforts. Here at RLC, we are grateful for YOU--the
gifts, time, and energy you offer so willingly to enable our mission and
ministries to be realized. For all of you and all that you do, we praise
the Lord and offer our thanks!
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