April 16, 2007
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Tragedy struck this morning on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., where a lone gunman shot and killed many before also killing himself. Details about the incident are still coming in as investigation of the incident continues.
Jan Tobias, LDR coordinator for Virginia, is communicating with Bishop James Mauney, of the ELCA Virginia Synod, to discuss the formulation of a response. Bishop Mauney and Jan Tobias will likely be traveling to Blacksburg in the next day. Pastors Bill King and Joanna Stallings, campus pastors at Virginia Tech, have offered to open Luther Memorial Lutheran Church to students, families and other members of the community.
At this time, we anticipate that there will be long-term spiritual and emotional needs on the campus, as well as throughout the state and the entire country, as more is learned about the full extent of this tragedy.
Gracious God, in the midst of things we cannot understand, grant your abiding presence. Enfold in your loving embrace all the families of the young women and men killed in this senseless tragedy. Give your healing touch to those who have been injured. Draw close to those dwelling in fear and anxiety. Bind us all together in a common hope in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In service,
Rev. Kevin A. Massey
Assistant Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone: 773-380-2748
Fax: 773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at www.ldr.org
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