A Message from Reverend Robert M. Hardies, Senior Minister
July 29, 2008
Dear Friends,
Most of you have heard by now of the deadly shooting spree that took place during the Sunday morning worship service at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. As of this writing, two people—Linda Kraeger and Greg McKendry—have died from the shooting and four others remain hospitalized. I know that you join with me in extending our sympathy and solidarity to our brothers and sisters in faith in Tennessee.
In another layer of the tragedy, police yesterday found a letter in the suspect’s vehicle suggesting that he specifically targeted the Unitarian Church because of its commitment to social justice. The Knoxville church is well-known in the community for its history of racial justice and its support of gays and lesbians. It is tragic that someone would respond to a church’s love with the taking of life.
How do we respond to such an act of violence?
First, I ask that we all pause to lift up in prayer the deceased, the wounded, their families, and all of our brothers and sisters in faith in Tennessee. We know from personal experience that solidarity in our time of trial can be a powerful balm. Pray, too, for the troubled soul of the shooter.
Second, I invite us all to take a moment to reflect on and give thanks for the precious gift of life. In moments like these we are reminded of life’s fragility.
Finally, we must continue to witness to the breadth of love and depth of justice that our faith calls us to, even when we know that some will oppose us. We need only recall the experience of our former minister, the Reverend James Reeb—bludgeoned to death by segregationists in 1965—to remember that our commitment to justice can sometimes put us in harm’s way. As keepers of a faith that embodies life and love, we must move forward with hope and courage.
I regret that I am 3,000 miles away and cannot be present with you in person. Please know that I am with you in spirit.
Love,
ROB
MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY
Summer Schedule - One Service at 10:15 am
New schedule in the fall: 9:30 and 11:15 am
Summer Church Hours
Sunday: 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am–9:30 pm
Closed Saturdays (except for weddings and other special church events)
Normal office hours will resume Tuesday, September 2 (the day after Labor Day)
Summer Pastoral Care
Rev. Louise Green (July 14 – July 20)
Rev. Shana Lynngood (July 21 – July 27)
Rev. Joyce Palmer (July 28 – August 18)
Rev. Louise Green (August 19 – September 1)
National Public Radio shows address religion and politics
Listen to Rev. Hardies and the All Souls' Forum on Religion and the Election on American University's NPR station WAMU 88.5 FM. Go to Interfaith Voices, then play the June 5 show to listen to Rev. Hardies' commentary on the Jeremiah Wright contorversy (adapted from his May 4 sermon) or the June 12 show to listen to the Forum on Religion and the 2008 Election (taped at All Souls Church on June 4).
The Ministers' Journey towards Social Justice
1821 - Present
We still deal with many of the same issues today that the All Souls ministers have been challenging their members to consider through almost 200 years in the nation’s capital: race, rights, environment, peace and more. The Ministers’ Journey tells a story of leadership, courage and justice through almost two centuries of work in contentious times.
Silver Souls cordially invite you to visit this fascinating exhibition in Pierce Hall, weekdays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and weekends 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Or view it online.
The "Music From All Souls" CD is available online
Joyful music is central to our life together at All Souls Church. The All Souls Choir, one of the first multiracial choirs in DC, celebrates a half century of musical excellence, singing a repertoire as diverse as our congregants. The artistic versatility of the singers allows the ensemble to perform everything from ancient church chant to Fauré, spirituals to South African songs, jazz to gospel.
Order the CD online.
"A diverse, spirit-growing, justice-seeking community"
