March 6, 2023
For many of us these weeks prior to Easter are known as the season of Lent. It is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. All three of these actions are a part of the prayer vigils we hold on the second Saturday of each month at McIntosh Park, 12:00 noon. We pray together, we fast by giving up the time we might be using for our own interests, we give the alms of presence by sharing in the sorrow of those who have lost their loved ones. “Would that you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high.” (Isiah 58: 4) On March 11 we will remember: 2/16 - Shaquiel Clemons, 28, gun violence; 2/19 - Mackenzie Battle, 29, gun violence; 2/20 - Al Jaheem Brown, 38, gun violence; 2/22 - Dameka Bennett-Ross, 22, gun violence; 2/22 - Lafeon Hamilton, 35, gun violence; 2/26 - Michaela Daniels, 44 and Felicia Brown, 38, friends, killed together by gun violence; 2/27 - Tiffany Suzzane Anderson, 43 vehicular – intentional or accidental, still undetermined. Prayer Leader – Barbara Mosley, Omega Baptist Church. PRAYER TO END VIOLENCE: God of life, source of hope, The violence within our world, our communities, our families indeed, within our very selves is destroying your creation. Make still the restless spirit within me that is self-seeking. Stir within my heart a renewed spirit of reverence, respect and reconciliation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give me the strength to break the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with me. Amen.