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| Rev. Tim Higgins and the St. Ann's Episcopal Church along with the Windham Area Clergy Association invite everyone to a community prayer/action vigil on Sunday, June 5 at A Joyful Noise Christian Daycare & Learning Center parking lot. COURTESY PHOTO |
The families and citizens of Uvalde, Texas are experiencing unimaginable and debilitating grief as a result of last week’s tragedy at Robb Elementary School. As the rest of the nation looks on, strong emotional reactions are triggered as they witness heartbreak and unnecessary deaths. Often, individuals do not know how to proceed in such disturbing circumstances, both emotionally and physically.
It is for this reason Rev. Tim Higgins of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham decided to address these issues with his congregation by offering two listening sessions after church services last Sunday.
“Folks are angry, upset, scared and teary-eyed about the school shooting in Texas,” Higgins said. “The much-needed discussions we had this Sunday included the question, ‘What do we do?’. It was decided the first step we could take is to invite the community to a listening/prayer and action vigil with the intention to pray about gun violence and how the community can respond to prevent future tragedies.”
As a result, Higgins along with the Windham Area Clergy Association (WACA) invites everyone to a community prayer/action vigil on Sunday, June 5 at A Joyful Noise Christian Daycare & Learning Center parking lot, 679 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The gathering will begin from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with a time for listening and sharing, followed by a candle light vigil to begin at 8 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own candles.
“The words ‘thoughts and prayers turned policy change and action’ have become worn and cliched,” Higgins said. “But both are very important to provide an opening for deep consideration and authentic action. In the Christian tradition, contemplative prayer offers the space to integrate action and change without anger or hatred. It is our hope that we can do just that as a whole community.”
Faith in action is also the mission of the Maine Council of Churches (MCC) based in Portland. This organization, a council representing seven different denominations, provides a voice against torture, hunger and poverty as well as to advocate for justice, compassion and peace.
Rev. Jane Field, MCC’s Executive Director, said she is glad to hear that St. Ann’s and WACA are taking such a thoughtful approach to prayerful action.
“Our hearts are with the children, families, educators and community members in Uvalde, Texas,” she said. “We also want to recognize the impact of these events on us right here in Maine.”
Field explained one course of ‘prayerful action’ that MCC has taken on the subject and that the community is welcome to join, is its long-standing partnership with the Maine Guns Safety Coalition, a network of individuals whose focus is gun violence prevention. Currently, the two organizations are advocating for the Red Gun Policy, a law that allows law enforcement — with a court order — to temporarily seize guns from someone considered a danger to themselves or others.
“Study after study shows that states that have implemented the Red Flag policies have lower rates of gun violence,” she said. “It’s a big lift here in Maine – it takes a concerted effort, cooperation and patience to be willing to come back time and time again to speak to your legislators. But the time has come to increase safety and reduce gun violence.”
There are many courses of action one can take to prevent future tragedies – whether that be the profane or sacred. Field suggests using the networks you have easily accessible in order to provide the change you seek. For those who wish to incorporate their personal faith, she recommends reaching out to your denomination’s connections.
“Reach out to your church’s denomination in Texas through your leadership and they can help guide you to what is really needed at the moment -- and from there you can take authentic action,” she said.
Field, who was a Pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Connecticut during the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown, pointed out that action can take place on multiple of levels.
“My experience as a clergy in a town where this same tragedy happened, the ripple effects are unimaginable,” she said. “Before you take action, be sure to examine your motives. Ask yourself whether your action makes you feel good or whether it will be truly helpful. Think about the church leaders who lead the funerals of people they know and pick up the pieces of the broken hearted. Think about the dry cleaners, news reporters, first responders, EMTs – they also face very deep emotional scars. This is not to take away from the depth of grieving of the parents and other loved ones of lives lost – absolutely not, but before you respond to action consider these things.”
Field said check in with the leadership of the municipality experiencing the trauma - they will know the needs of the community best and, by responding to their needs is where genuine support can take place.
“I know it may seem appropriate, but it is not helpful to send stuffed animals to show your love and support,” Field said, remembering her time during Sandy Hook shooting when the town was inundated by stuffed bears, rabbits, etc. “The town received so many stuffed animals, they had to rent and pay for warehouses and storage units. To be honest, it was a logistical nightmare. I cannot emphasis enough -. when we are trying to help – we must always examine our motives. Will this make me feel better or will this actually help those who need it.”
It's this, and more, that St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and WACA hope to aspire and accomplish - to take rightful and authentic action through contemplative prayer. St. Ann’s and other members of WACA (Faith Lutheran Church, Windham Hill United Church of Christ, North Windham UCC, Raymond Village Community Church, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints) invite the public to participate. <
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