To the people of the Diocese of Vermont:
I just sent this information via email to clergy serving congregations and to Senior Wardens. I share it more widely here in the hope that you will participate in the invitation to ring church bells this Friday morning at 9:30 AM, or in some other way pause for a moment of prayer to remember those who died in the tragedy in Newtown, CT just one short week ago.
I also hope you will read and respond to the call to action from the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs. Click here for a link to that call.
Faithfully,
+Thomas
To Clergy serving congregations and Senior Wardens
We have received several requests inviting congregations to ring church bells this Friday morning at 9:30 AM, one week after the Newtown, CT tragedy. I would encourage you to join in this expression of sorrow, grief and remembrance as your particular church facilities allow. Most of the requests suggest that bells be rung 26 times (one for each of the students and adults murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School). I also invite you to consider ringing a 27th time for Nancy Lanza, the mother of Adam Lanza and a 28th time for Adam.
I also want to make you aware of this call to action from the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs: I have signed up to be part of the solution. I hope you will as well and that you will share this call to action with members of the congregations you serve.
Thank you for your leadership and ministries.
Faithfully,
+Thomas