Connecticut minister reflects on Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy

In a post on the Danbury Church of Christ website, Connecticut minister Doug Vile reflects on the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy:

Friday (which by some has now been called “Black Friday”) began as any Friday before.
Soon however, that ordinary Friday would become a moment of time and history. I rushed to my office trying to figure out which of our members had children in that school and what had happened to one of our members who was a teacher there?
I received an email that Robin  (teacher at that school) was safe and home. Her son met her at the school and took her home and her husband was quickly (racing) making his way to be by her side. It would be some eight hours later that we received the last report that all the members who lived in Newtown that the children were safe and home.
But many families were not so blessed. I spent most of Friday on my knees and in tears as news was confirming my worst fears. The rest of the weekend was a blur and I had no idea of what to do to minister to this congregation or this community.
I threw my sermon on peace (topic of Sunday) out the window and planned a Lament service focusing on where we find peace (from God) through His Word and in prayer.  Some of the men volunteered to take part in the service. We mixed some songs with readings from the Lament Psalms and prayers. Our Lord’s Supper focused on the hope we have (Romans 8:18-25) and I said a few words on how God through each of us brings peace into this world (Romans 12:9-21).

Read Vile’s full post and find out how to help.
Look for more coverage in the next print edition of The Christian Chronicle.