Dear Friends,

This month our nation has experienced yet another mass shooting, where 19 children and 2 adults lost their lives at the hands of a deeply troubled young man. While we ponder and debate about what actions can be taken to reduce such tragedies, there is an aspect that has not received much attention – specifically, what is going on in the psyches of these individuals that leads them to think that killing others is the “right” thing to do.

There’s no question that life has become increasingly stressful for all of us. COVID and its many after effects, the war in Ukraine, and the deepening divisions in our society have all contributed to a sense of alienation and fear. Most especially, our children, youth, and young adults have suffered the consequences of two years plus of disrupted schooling and social isolation at a critical time in their formation. Many of the things that should have been a part of their lives have been denied them or have been significantly changed. It’s no surprise that an increasing number of young people are struggling with mental and emotional health issues. Alienation and loneliness is rampant. Many say that they have no real friends, and no adults in their lives that they can turn to for help.

This is why I am inviting our members and friends to make a “Pentecost Resolution” to reach out especially to those younger than us with kindness and understanding. We have many opportunities to be a positive influence to those we meet in daily life, including employees in stores, servers in restaurants, family members and neighbors. Think back to when we were younger ourselves and remember those adults who treated us respectfully and took an interest in our well-being, and let us do the same.

Pentecost is the time when God the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ disciples with grace and wisdom to bring the message of God’s healing love to our world. May we also take up this calling and bring hope to our world, especially to those who need encouragement the most.

Rev. John Peters, Rector