April 30, 2022
In the midst of celebrating the new life of spring and the resurrected life of Jesus, we remember homicide victim Ronnie J. Brown, 60. Mr. Brown, a security employee at Setters Volleyball Club, died on April 25, two days after being assaulted while on duty. “He was everybody’s everything, he knew everybody, he was a friend of everybody,” said an employee at Setters. Let us hold his family and all those who knew and loved Ronnie in our prayers. “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE: God of the sorrowing, we pray for family and friends of Ronnie who have been touched by his death. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. May they who mourn be comforted by the fact that nothing can separate them from your love. For Ronnie death came as a thief in the night. We trust that he is now experiencing new life in your kingdom. From this tragedy may we find strength and courage to work against the violence that seeks to destroy families, neighborhoods and the world itself. As people of faith, we commend this brother of ours into your hands. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43: 1-3a-4 Thus says the Lord, who created you and formed you: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God ... you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you ... PETITIONS: Let us remember Ronnie, those who loved him and all victims of violence. We acknowledge their deep pain and grief. They are a part of our human community and they need our love and help towards healing. Let us remember those who perpetuate violence and their families who also suffer. We acknowledge the need for both justice and mercy. Let us remember all those who work to keep our city and communities safe. We acknowledge their need for wisdom and courage in their efforts to fulfill their call of service for all. Let us remember people throughout the world who suffer violence and death, especially the people of Ukraine and other worn-torn countries. We acknowledge that we are all brothers and sisters in our common home who need to care for one another. We make these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ who shed his blood so that all might know the love and mercy of God.