Prayers for Highland Park 

Dear EPC Community,

As we wrestle with the feelings of vulnerability, grief, sadness, anger and so many other emotions after yesterday's tragic shooting in Hanover Park, God is with us. As we proclaim in worship, week after week, there is no place we can go that is outside the love and mercy of God. If we go to the highest place, God is there. If we descend into deep grief, God is there. God is near to the brokenhearted and God binds up their wounds. God grieves with us and hears our cries of lament. 

There are hardly words for such a time as this, and when there are no words, we know that the Spirit prays for us with sighs too deep for words. 

I've reached out to the Pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church and offered our congregation's love and support. I've have pledged to be available for crisis response and long-term follow-up care for the members and families in that community. They will need it.

I'll share more information as it becomes available on how we can all provide tangible support to our siblings in Christ who will need us to be near to them. 

In the meantime, please join me in lighting a candle and praying for peace as we discern how God would have us act and advocate for a more peaceful world. 

Tonight at 7:00 pm there will be an Interfaith Prayer Vigil at Highland Park Presbyterian Church which is located at 330 Laurel Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035. Consider attending or lighting your candles in solidarity. 

With grace and peace, 

Pastor Traci