On Thursday, June 16th at 7pm at Christ Church, our community came together to stand in solidarity with the victims of this latest mass shooting, and in a call for action, for peace, and for love. It was a vigil for healing, but also for action. A time when we gave comfort to one another, but also when we spoke out to change our world.
Over 80 people attended, with participants from all over our community. The speakers were Iman Daud Haqq of the NIA Masjid & Community Center in Newark, Dr. Esmilda Abreu and Chief Diversity Officer at S2NC, and Mother Diana. Participants were from all over our community, including Rabbi Steven Kushner of Temple Ner Tamid, the Rev. Dr. David Stinson and the Rev. Cindy Reynolds of Glen Ridge Congregational, LGBT activists, musicians and singers, including our choir who came out of their summer break for this important night.
The evening included the reading of the names of the 49 dead, prayers, readings, and song. Then we all surrounded the labyrinth, which had the dove you see today in the center, as we sang “Let there be peace on earth.” We posted our thoughts and feelings on the dove, lit the candles, and stood in silence as the bell was rung – once for each life lost. Then Rabbi Kushner offered a moving pray, and Ms. Peri Smilow led us in song. It was such a moving tribute and a time of healing, and calls for action. Thank you everyone who helped make it happen!
There are photos starting to come in from the service. Click here to access them, and check back often:
For the bulletin from the service, which includes a listing of all the participants, click here:
Open\ PDF>
Mother Diana’s homily is available off of the home page, under Sermons.
