As I mentioned in another blog post today (on the church site), I am deeply grieved and angered at the deaths of more innocent children, and their teachers, at one more school of so, so many in the US – this time Robb Elementary, in Uvalde, Texas.

So many of us are deeply saddened and angered at the reality in which we continue to find ourselves in this country. And I’m truly at a loss for words right now other than maintaining the importance of” showing up” and being witness to the love of God at the heart of our reality, in spite of those whose violent hardened emotions and actions have kept them from knowing it and those whose lives are being shattered in its presence. The angels appear. Love is real. “Look to the helpers,” as Fred Rogers’s mother would tell him.

This Sunday, May 29, one such truly genuine “helper,” Charme Robarts, is bringing the message in eleven:eleven, downtown. I can’t think of anyone more capable of bringing a hopeful word in a time of seeming hopelessness and grief. Brad and the band have chosen some amazing music. I hope you can join in-person at the Historic 512 or online – as I will be joining in).

Here are a few words from Charme:

The news of the shooting at Robb Elementary came to me while I was writing the message for this week’s service. At this point, mourning and anger and more mourning is the only thing that makes sense. As people of faith, or people seeking faith, or seeking to make sense of life the first thing we must do is acknowledge our pain and anger.

The title of the message I have prepared is “The Best of Times, The Worst of Times, As Always”. The title seems more poignant now, and in some way, it seems enough to let that title acknowledge the reality.

But as always, we must face today and the next days and continue to work for the common good and to support each other along the way. So, I hope to see you Sunday to share the sacred space of our time together, and to open our eyes to the other reality of our faith–that somehow–goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.

Charme