Responding to gun violence in Atlanta and Boulder
Posted March 24, 2021
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)
Dear parents and families,
Death and I are old friends. My father owns a funeral home, where I have spent much of my life observing. Despite spending so much time in the funeral home, I have not felt prepared for the immeasurable loss of this past year. COVID-19 is not the only epidemic which has ravaged the USA; just this past week, we have witnessed the devastating effects of gun violence in Atlanta, Boulder, and even here in Philadelphia. How do we grieve these losses while also attempting to grieve the 543,000 lives lost to COVID-19?
Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Prayer and quiet time with God allows us to let go of our emotional turmoil. Incorporating children into these prayer conversations allow families to grow spiritually together.
Talking to God about our heartbreak can be a challenge for all ages. Talking to children about gun violence and death is no easy feat, either. Whether you are a "doer" who wishes to feel occupied, or you are still processing these events, here are some resources you might use to navigate conversation in the coming days:
- How to talk to children about shootings: an age-by-age guide from “Today”
- Gun Violence Resources from the Society of Pediatric Nurses
- Resources for after a tragedy or disaster from FORMA, a ministry of The Episcopal Church
- "Gun violence is a citywide emergency", an opinion piece from The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Bishops Against Gun Violence, a ministry of over 100 Episcopal Bishops
- Episcopal Church Gun Violence Action Alert from the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations
As we move through these next days, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rev. Barb Ballenger, Rev. Jarrett Kerbel, or me for resources, prayers, or if you need a listening ear.
The peace of Christ be always with you,
Anne Alexis
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families 215 247 8716 Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Tags: Children & Families / Prayer List
