In the midst of tragedy let us gather around the table for holy conversations with God and each other.

“Our hearts are broken for the people of Uvalde, Texas. We are devastated over the multiple lives lost during the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. We mourn those who died today and fervently pray for the families of the victims and surround the larger community of Uvalde in prayer.”

— Robert Schnase Bishop Rio Texas & New Mexico Annual Conferences

“In the face of this evil, we pray for a logic different from the one based on geopolitical competition. We pray for a change of hearts and minds of leaders, we pray for de-escalation and dialogue instead of violence and war. ”

— Bishop Christian Alsted, Central Conference UMC (in response to the war in the Ukraine)

“This was an outrageous, senseless, and tragic act…Each death by violence diminishes each one of us.”

— (Bishop Schnase responds to Sutherland Springs violence)

Once more we are faced with violence. Once more we feel our hearts break. Once more we see light diminish. Once more we are reminded that our world is broken. Once more we drop to our knees in prayer, crying out, asking God for words, listening for the call, and seeking ways we can put a stop to this chaos and devastation.

Lord in your mercy…
How do we talk to our children? How do we hold conversations in our families and in our communities?
How are you calling us to respond?

In response to violence, persons of all ages will experience a multitude of emotions. Fear, anxiety, shock, anger, denial, confusion, and sadness are some of the normal reactions to this type of crisis. It is important to listen, reflect, pray and work together.

Listed below, you will find a guide for Holy Conversation in your family followed by prayers, family devotionals, and resources. The hope is that these resources will help your family and the families in your community process, reflect, and respond to this tragedy.

May our prayers and conversations stir in us a desire for a different world. May we hear the call and feel equipped to respond to God’s presence in our lives, offering love, mercy, and healing to a broken world. May we find strength in God and each other as we join together in the hard and holy work of reconciliation, justice, and peace.

Guide for Holy Conversation in your Family

Guide for Ministry Moments with Families, Children, and Persons of all Ages

Tips for Holy Conversation in the home:

Provide opportunities for children to express their feelings
Let children lead the conversation with their questions.
Reassure them that they are safe and loved.
Provide times of quiet and stillness for reflection and rest.
Pray for those who are affected.
Limit the amount of exposure they have to the images and stories surrounding the event.
Stick with your routine and regular schedule as much as possible