From: Gerald Mansholt
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 8:09 AM
To: Dan Glamann
Subject:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I invite your prayers this morning for those communities hit by tornadoes this weekend, especially Joplin, Missouri, where a massive tornado has brought death, injury and personal loss to lives of thousands of people. This Monday morning we are seeing the horrific images of destruction and hearing the stories of incredible loss.
Late last night I received word that the building of Peace Lutheran Church was completely destroyed, only the front pillars of the church left standing. This morning I spoke with Pastor Bill Pape who is serving Peace Lutheran Church as intentional interim. Pastor Pape was standing at the site of the Church as we spoke and said he could see for blocks with no building standing. Pastor Pape said the impact upon members of Peace Lutheran Church is being assessed, the difficulty being communication in the midst of a chaotic situation.
Let us pray for people of Peace Lutheran Church, the city of Joplin, Missouri, the town of Reading, Kansas, and all areas hit by tornadoes this weekend.
O God,
who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the troubled heart,
bring hope and courage to all
who are affected by this disaster as we wait in uncertainty.
Bring assurance that you will be with us in whatever lies ahead.
Give us courage to endure all that we now face,
for you are our refuge and strength.
You are God, and we need you.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
[adapted from ELW Pastoral Care, page 174]
Bishop Gerald Mansholt
Central States Synod, ELCA
21 North 12 St., Suite 210
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-948-9701 (office)
--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com
