Fwd: More Littleton

[Michael Shell]

Dear Friends,

An online friend of mine who is a member of a Universalist Unitarian church
in Philadelphia has been keeping us informed about the UU minister in
Littleton.  Earlier this week she shared the following:

>>...Apparently there is a UU church a mere couple blocks from the
Columbine school.  The minister there was the first on the site, not
knowing what to do, but needing to be there. I am proud and  honored to
know that he apparently left a message at the home of one of the
perpetrators to let that family know that he and his church were there for
them, for whatever strength and support they may need.  The negative that
follows this is that the media immediately jumped upon this gesture and
questioned his motives....<<

This morning she has sent us a much more positive note, which I want to
pass along to all of you.

I affirm the Spirit as it lifts up these people to clearer vision and
deeper connection with each other.

Blessed Be,
Michael.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 1999 09:23:34 EDT
From: Rinajur at aol.com
Subject: More Littleton


As part of our on going discussion of the events of Littleton, I offer this
I came across this morning.  Forgive me if I already mentioned that this
minister was the first on the scene, and the only one so far to offer
support to the families of the perpetrators.  This mornings to do's
includes writing him a note to express how proud I am to belong to a group
that includes a minister who does this.  This open letter appears on their
church's web site.  

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
April 26, 1999 Dear Friends, 

Here in Littleton we are receiving your calls and e-mails, and need them in
this terrible tragedy.  Your messages, from many faiths and many places,
give us solace.

While no families in this congregation lost children, many families around
us did.  Our children and their teachers were shot at, had to hide in
terror, and watch classmates and students die.  We have only begun to
overcome our stunned disbelief and will need your thoughts and prayers in
the weeks to come.

I stole a moment with my own young children Friday night at a restaurant,
and we were seated near the door.  Groups of teenagers were coming in and
leaving, and every adult in the place would watch our teens, and some would
go up and begin conversations.  I saw a man with crew-cut hair introduce
himself to 3 teens with 12 inch long, spikey hair.

I'm also noticing teens are feeling a little stared-at.  Forgive us,
teenagers, if your parents and the rest of us need lots of hugs, find
excuses to touch your arm, or keep looking at you so strangely.  We are so
glad you are here, with us.

You can do something for us.  All of us in the United States must stop
blaming each other.  Blame only deepens anger and hurt.  Blame will only
further destroy our community.  This isn't somebody else's problem but a
problem for us all.  Talk and pray and think in your communities and
congregations about what this means for us all and what we can and must do
about it.
 
Rev. Joel Miller Columbine Unitarian Universalist Church Littleton, Colorado.