Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing

Pam Shadzik, President of the UUCWC Board of Trustees, and the Rev. Charles Stephens, offer support for the Tennessee Valley UU Church and the greater Knoxville community, following the recent shooting.

Dear members of the UUCWC community:

We join together in mourning the tragic losses at our fellow UU church in Tennessee and in sending the Knoxville congregation our prayers following this very traumatic event. I have sent them a message of love and support on behalf of our congregation.

At this time let us come together as a community to renew the bonds that tie us to each other and to our brothers and sisters in faith. It the love of community that opens us to pain, and that allows us to heal.

With sorrow, and gratitude for our faith,
Pam

Pam Shadzik
President, UUCWC Board of Trustees

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Dear Members and Friends of UUCWC,

I am sure that you have already heard and were all as shocked and saddened by the news that on Sunday our Tennessee Valley UU Church experienced such a violent assault by a gunman who killed two people and wounded others. There were some real UU heroes in the congregation that made the death toll lower than it could have been. I encourage you to join me in sending your loving and healing thoughts and prayers to the members of the Tennessee Valley congregation and all those affected by this truly tragic crisis.

This tragedy struck within the sanctuary of a religious community, a place that should be safe for everyone. Know that UUA staff and members of the UU Trauma Response Ministry are responding to provide support and resources to the congregation and its members. Other religious communities are stepping up to offer their assistance.

News of this incident has been on news programs, and your children may hear about this incident. It is possible that because this happened within a UU congregation, they may wonder if they will be safe at UUCWC. This kind of anxiety is common even among we adults. Open and honest communication is always the best. The UU Trauma Response Ministry website has some resources on responding to children in these situations. You might also want to have your children draw pictures or make cards to send to the children of TVUUC - knowing that others are thinking of them is important at this time.

Thank you, friends, for what I know will be your generous prayers and best wishes going out to our co-religionists in Knoxville. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this with me-at times like this, I am honored to be available to you, even though I am far away.

With Love and Warmth,
Charles

The Rev. Charles Stephens, Minister
Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing
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The Unitarian Universalist Association has set up a response page. This includes a link to a site that has been established to share messages of support with Unitarians in the greater Knoxville community.

More news compiled by the UUA.

Reflections Following the Knoxville Shootings: I’ve Never Been So Proud
By Annette Marquis, District Executive of the Thomas Jefferson District (TJD) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)