Season of Giving 2024
Outreach
The Oxford High School shooting and the recent lockdown of Plymouth-Canton Educational Park has been incredibly traumatic for many, especially those of us living here in Metro Detroit. Events like these are incomprehensible, but are poignant reminders that we still live in a fallen world that is no stranger to brokenness. It is especially difficult when things like this happen at the holidays, when we just want to dwell on the Good News of Christ’s birth and the hope we have in his death and resurrection. But, it is because of our faith in Christ, and what he did on the cross, that we can carry hope and peace into devastating situations, like these.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:22-28
We’re here for you, and we’re praying for all those who are personally touched by these, and other tragedies near and far. While we have an unshakeable hope in Christ, it may still be hard to find words of comfort, or help, for your children and the young people around you, who are hurting and questioning right now. Below are a list of guides and resources to use when talking with your kids about these incidents, and as you help them process what happened and how God wants us to react to unimaginable events, like these.
- Talking to kids about school violence & trauma [podcast]
- Responding to the trauma of school shootings [blog post]
- HS crisis conversation guide
- MS crisis conversation guide
- 5 things to remember when tragedy strikes [PDF]
- Orange Students Podcast, recorded after Parkland shooting
If you are looking for more resources, or counseling help so you and your family can sit down and talk with someone, please contact our Care Ministry at millie.dreisbach@ward.church.
