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Beloved in Christ,

Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the tragic shooting and death of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, the victims of the school shooting in Colorado, and other recent acts of political violence across our nation. Every life is precious, and violence against anyone made in God’s image is heartbreaking and unacceptable.

As Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). And Paul reminds us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15).

We pray for comfort for the families and communities directly affected, and for healing for our fractured society. May we, as followers of Christ, choose compassion over contempt, healing over harm, and Christ’s peace over violence. Lord, make us instruments of Your peace in a wounded world.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Jeffrey Motter, Pastor, Monroe UMC