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St. Philip's Stands with Mother Emanuel

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38 - 39

Dear St. Philippians,

In the wake of the tragedy that occurred at Mother Emanuel AME Church, many have inquired "What can we do to help?"

As has already been evident in the way that the families of the victims have responded by offering their forgiveness for this unspeakable act, we can be of no greater Witness to Christ's power to overcome than to pray for our enemies:

"O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." BCP

Pray for the victims' families and friends; that they may be comforted in their grief, that their faith will remain strong, and that their hope for Christ's restoration and healing would be everpresent. Pray for Satan to be bound; that the dark spirit of divisiveness be cast far from our Holy City and sanctuaries of worship. Pray for strength in leadership; that godly leaders would rise from within Mother Emanuel to guide that parish forward as it continues to proclaim the love of Christ. Pray also for the leadership of our city and our state; that our collective response would dignify the lives of those lost. Pray for God's justice and mercy to be poured out on us all.

 

 On Sunday, June 21, 2015, at 10:00 am, St. Philip's joined with other Charleston churches in ringing our steeple bells in solidarity and support of Mother Emanuel. During our own worship services, prayers were offered, hymns were sung and the sermon was given by the Rev. Brian McGreevy, all in honor of our brothers and sisters at Mother Emanuel. Click HERE to listen to Brian's sermon. At the conclusion of our service, by invitation from the Rev. Al Zadig, Rector of St. Michael's Church, about 200 St. Philippians joined with members of St. Michael's Church and members of First Baptist Church in taking chartered buses down to Mother Emanuel to surround that church and congregation with prayers and support as they held their first worship service. I received an unexpected letter from a complete stranger, written to share with me the impact that this gesture of support has had on him personally. CLICK HERE to read the letter and poem from Larry Wray of Cupertino, CA.

You may also help with financial contributions. Mayor Joe Riley asked for gifts to help with burial costs for those families whose loved ones were killed. CLICK HERE for information about contributing to this memorial fund.

The way in which the Charleston and St. Philip's community chooses to respond to last week's tragedy has the capacity to be a strong witness to the world for Christ. Thank you dear brothers and sisters for your care for our wider community, and especially for your prayers and friendship to the grieving Christian family at Emanuel AME Church. I am confident that you will continue to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Faithfully yours,

 Hank's Signature

The Rev. Hank E. Avent, Jr.