ELCA NEWS SERVICE
October 4, 2006
Lutherans Pray, Donate Funds on Behalf of Amish Schoolhouse Tragedy
06-149-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Lutheran Disaster Response Network of
the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) is urging Lutherans to pray for the Amish
community in Lancaster County, Pa., after a gunman invaded the
West Nickel Mines Amish School there Oct. 2. Three students died
at the scene, two others died in hospitals Oct. 3 and five
remained hospitalized Oct. 4.
According to Barbara A. Myers, staff of the synod received
inquires offering help for people affected by the shootings.
"Two funds have been established -- one for the shooter's
children and one for the Nickel Mines Children's Fund," said
Myers, director for communication, ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod,
Harrisburg, Pa. Donations for either fund may be sent to the
synod office. Please indicate to which fund monies are to be
directed, she said. "We will see that monies are sent to the
bank(s) where funds have been established."
The gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV, who committed suicide
shortly after police arrived at the schoolhouse, is survived by a
spouse and three children.
Members of St. Michael Lutheran Church, Strasburg, Pa., have
agreed to receive cards and/or letters of condolences for the
Amish community. The church is located in the area of the Amish
schoolhouse. Members of St. Michael "will see that cards and
letters are delivered," said Myers.
The Lutheran Disaster Response Network of the ELCA Lower
Susquehanna Synod (LS/LDRN) is providing counseling and emotional
and spiritual care for the community in Lancaster County. "By
the end of the week, we will have a better picture of the needs
here," said Tim Brown, LS/LDRN team coordinator.
"Above all pray for the children, for the family of the
shooter, for the families of the children, for the community, for
our emergency personnel and for our network, who will inevitably
be asked to respond and 'walk with,'" Brown said.
The ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod has 267 congregations in
nine Pennsylvania counties, including Lancaster.
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The homepage of the ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod is at
http://www.lss-ELCA.org on the Web.
EDITORS:
ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod
900 S. Arlington Ave., Ste. 208
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5031
St. Michael Lutheran Church
40 E. Main Street
Strasburg, PA 17579-1426
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
