Congregational Letter following the Mall Shootings in Oregon
Pastor Steven Sprecher, Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon

Dear Members and Friends of Lake Oswego United Methodist Church

Once again we are confronted with a senseless tragedy in our own community as random violence struck holiday shoppers. One of our member families lost a good friend. Although most of us did not know any of those involved directly, we are all affected personally when violence strikes so close to home. Each of us reacts differently. Children talking at school or just watching the news may need you to listen, discern their feelings, and talk calmly with them about what they have seen and heard.

As violence attacks us in the midst of Advent, we should remember the special source of strength that is ours in this season awaiting the Prince of Peace. May the following prayer be helpful to you and others in our community to keep us focused on the love of God that rises above and transforms all of our human actions.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Steve


An Advent Prayer for Peace
[This prayer in four parts is designed for a longer period of meditation. If you have an Advent wreath you may choose to light one candle at the beginning of each part of the prayer as a guide for your meditative prayer.]

O Lord, hear our prayer. In this time of senseless violence, we turn to you for guidance and hope.
(a time of quiet Prayer)
O Lord, we pray for all the victims of this random act. For those who were shot and for their families, for the store employees and shoppers, for first responders, and for all of us who once again must confront violence not of our choosing. May your presence bring healing and comfort.
(a time of quiet Prayer)
O Lord, we pray for the shooter and his family. And for others like him who feel hopeless and alone and can see no other way to respond, may you touch them in ways that give them hope.
(a time of quiet Prayer)
O Lord, we pray for our culture of violence. May you help us find ways to stand against violence in media that makes such acts easier, and help us find ways to work always for reconciliation and peace.
(a time of quiet Prayer)
O Lord, we pray for the ultimate triumph of the Prince of Peace. In this season we look forward expectantly to the coming of a new savior, arriving not with the power of weapons but the power of love. May this year be the time when the power of your love begins to guide the whole world into ways of justice and peace.
(a time of quiet Prayer)
O God, you who are about to arrive into the reality of our daily life, may your coming “in flesh� redeem us all and make all flesh holy. In Jesus name, so may it be.