Just A Note of Thanks

My original intention for this Message was to offer thanks to the hard working, dedicated members of our Fellowship, then the tragic events of the Tennessee Valley UU Church unfolded before our eyes on national TV. In light of this terrible event, I offer the following thoughts…

It is difficult to believe that a gunman could enter a Church on a Sunday morning, as that church was presenting a children’s production of “Annie,” and open fire on a crowd of innocent people. But this is what indeed occurred. 

Last Sunday morning, Greg McKendry, a member of the Tennessee Valley UU Church, stood in front of a shotgun blast and used his body as a shield. Greg McKendry gave his life to protect those around him. 

Last Sunday morning, two people died from gunshot wounds and four were seriously injured. 

During the past few days,  Unitarian Universalist congregations around the country have joined together, offering vigils and special services. The UUA Trama Response Ministry is in Knoxville offering counseling. Many churches of Knoxville have offered assistance to the Tennessee UU Church. 

During the evening of July 28^th, UUA President Bill Sinkford, and other UU ministers led a special service, at the Tennessee UU Church. Services began with an emotional singing of “Spirit of Life.” A candle light vigil was held. There was a moment of silence. There words of hope and kindness and healing. 

 The following words are from are from Annette Marquis, Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson District of the UUA, who attended the service:

“During the pre-service de-briefing session, cast members asked for the opportunity to bring closure to the months of preparation they had put into this performance. As the Rev. Mira Jafarzedeh finished her speaking, the cast stepped forward to the front of the sanctuary and began singing the well known theme of “Annie,’  “Tomorrow!”

 The congregation joined in singing with them, and after a few seconds, when the impact of this moment had sunk in, the crowd erupted into applause, tears, shouts, cheers, and many more tears…  

The cast, these beautiful children, who had been exposed to so much horror, had finally had a chance to offer their grand finale. They took their long awaited bows to an adoring, grief stricken audience.”

In closing, I have chosen to keep the original title of this message, Just a Note of Thanks.

It is a thank you note, to all the members and friends of the UUFP for being who you are. It is a thank you note to the Tennessee UU Church, and especially the children, who stood up and sang; after all they’d been through, “Tomorrow.”

 I’m sure we all know the words.

In Faith,

 Jim