September 14, 2020
We remember Stephen Blackshear, 31, who died of gunshots wounds on September 4th. This occurred in the area of W. Third Street and James McGee Blvd. His funeral was held on Thursday, Sept. 10 at Thomas Funeral Home. As we have been doing during this time of COVID-19, a letter notifying the family of our condolences and prayer was given to the family through the funeral home. “Hope is believing in light in the midst of darkness and life in the midst of death.” (Charles Curran) Scripture: Revelation 21:3-4 I heard a loud voice from the throne cry out: “This is God’s dwelling among men. He shall dwell with them and they shall be his people and he shall be their God who is always with them. He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain for the former world has passed away.” Prayers L: Let us remember the family and loved ones of Stephen. All: We acknowledge their pain and their deep grief. They are part of our community and they, need our love and help towards healing. L: Let us remember the perpetrator, his family and the families of all who commit violent crimes. All: We acknowledge that their lives too are devastated and their hopes dashed. For their sake and for ours we remember that pain goes in many directions from each act of violence. L: Let us remember all who have been harmed by violence and lives lost by CORVID-19. All: For their sake and for ours, we commit ourselves to building each other up and to healing together. L: Let us remember all those who work to keep our city safe. All: We acknowledge the need for wisdom and courage in their efforts to fulfill their call of service for the good of all. TOGETHER: We stand up to violence. We stand together expressing our unity, our connection to each other and to the Divine who is our hope for healing and for transformation. Let the Spirit of our Creator move through us to heal our communities. Let us begin by transforming ourselves so that we may be instruments of peace and non-violence. We continue in peace and hope. Amen.