tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post8804229508575003600..comments2012-09-29T01:06:38.746-07:00Comments on Supporting Our Friends in Knoxville: Welcome to this space for expressing love and supportUnitarian Universalist Assoc. of Congregationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152791402415529592noreply@blogger.comBlogger615125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-88776562676349472102010-03-18T09:55:01.287-07:002010-03-18T09:55:01.287-07:00If has been some time since your Peace was shatter...If has been some time since your Peace was shattered. <br />We have not forgotten you.<br /><br />You are our holy brothers and sisters.<br />We have not forgotten you.<br /><br />Your sacred tapestry was ripped and torn.<br />We have not forgotten you.<br /><br />We pray for your continued recovery.<br />We have not forgotten you.<br /><br />Our hearts are with you.<br />We will never forget you.<br />We will always love you.<br /><br />Gladney Flatt<br />First Unitarian Church of DallasGladney Flatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08523829629683337873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-19697649189114200772009-07-26T12:29:26.419-07:002009-07-26T12:29:26.419-07:00Dear Mitra and Chris,
Our service today in Lexingt...Dear Mitra and Chris,<br />Our service today in Lexington, KY, was built around the anniversary of the tragedy that your congregations suffered one year ago. I wish both of you and your congregations a renewed commitment to our UU values and the strength to continue moving our UU message of love forward. Sending love and hugs to all,<br />Kathy Cleary<br />UUCLKathy Clearynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-39973197860667391602008-10-04T17:56:00.000-07:002008-10-04T17:56:00.000-07:00I am thinking of both of you at Westside and TVUUC...I am thinking of both of you at Westside and TVUUC as we are in the Days of Awe and approaching the day of atonement. The concepts are no longer so abstract to me when I think of your suffering and what this season might mean to your communities.Allison Farnumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02307282060105399619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-39170163641293127472008-09-21T22:36:00.000-07:002008-09-21T22:36:00.000-07:00Just letting you all know that you are still being...Just letting you all know that you are still being thought of. I hope that each person is healing in their own way -- individually, as families and friends, as congregations, as UUs, and as the greater community.<BR/><BR/>The process of healing is different for each person and each group. I send love and ask for Universal energy to be made available for each of you to draw on as you choose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-49516298762435207942008-09-14T09:10:00.000-07:002008-09-14T09:10:00.000-07:00I am still thinking of the children. Time has pass...I am still thinking of the children. Time has passed, yet I still carry you all, tucked up under my heart. You are not alone...and not forgotten.<BR/>Blessed Be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-2144515605488058762008-09-09T07:45:00.000-07:002008-09-09T07:45:00.000-07:00I just heard about the shooting. The Lord bless an...I just heard about the shooting. The Lord bless and keep you all. You shall all remain in our prayers. We stand with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-25304089722620651422008-08-19T16:27:00.000-07:002008-08-19T16:27:00.000-07:00It is still difficult for me to believe that there...It is still difficult for me to believe that there has been a shooting at a UU church. I feel that my own community has been attacked.<BR/><BR/>All of Unitarian Universalism is one family and we will stand together. We will not allow hate or terror to silence our voices or our message of love, tolerance, hospitality, and hope. Those who preach their message of hate will never conquer us or destroy our beliefs.<BR/><BR/>Greg McKendry is a true hero. He and all those who fought to stop this killer prove what true religious values are: selfless love for family, friends, and all others.<BR/><BR/>May the Spirit of Love surround you.<BR/><BR/>Ellen Schousboe<BR/>First Universalist, MinneapolisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-56826485548504295642008-08-16T17:33:00.000-07:002008-08-16T17:33:00.000-07:00Posting again to let you know you are not forgotte...Posting again to let you know you are not forgotten as time passes.<BR/><BR/>You are all still in my heart, here in Oregon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-62547848262345244422008-08-15T04:01:00.000-07:002008-08-15T04:01:00.000-07:00How hearbreaking. My condolences to the UUs in Kn...How hearbreaking. My condolences to the UUs in Knoxville.<BR/>Bruce Belknap<BR/>Ansbach, GermanyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-29504766030669315782008-08-10T20:47:00.000-07:002008-08-10T20:47:00.000-07:00After reading many of the beautiful heart-felt exp...After reading many of the beautiful heart-felt expressions of sympathy on these pages, I wonder what I can possibly add that might speak to this terrible tragedy. My heart and mind will not let go of the image of the children, whose innocence has been shattered and whose lives have been irrevocably changed. May they find peace and some kind of understanding of an event of which they should never have been a part. <BR/><BR/>First Universalist Parish of Derby Line, VT, sits a few feet from the Canadian border, but since the Border Patrol is ever vigilant in its watch for terrorists, I've always felt safe within her walls. Now I wonder if I'll ever feel the same. This incident has shown that evil and destruction doesn't have to come from across borders. <BR/><BR/>May you always feel the comfort and strength of the roots that hold all of us close in loving community.<BR/><BR/>Susan-Lynn Johns<BR/>Acting President<BR/>Board of Trustees<BR/>First Universalist Parish <BR/>of Derby Line, VTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-54054547121979649052008-08-07T16:07:00.000-07:002008-08-07T16:07:00.000-07:00much love sent from us here in Franklin. I recentl...much love sent from us here in Franklin. I recently have started attending services and becoming part of the UU community because of the feelings of love and acceptance from all, and cannot bear the hatred in this crime... all we have is strength to offer and I share it with all who call upon it.<BR/>B. ArmstrongAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-18427065969279445852008-08-07T12:40:00.000-07:002008-08-07T12:40:00.000-07:00The victims, their families, and members of the Un...The victims, their families, and members of the Unitarian Universalist Church are in our prayers. I recall how the Unitarian Church stood with American Muslims when they were subjected to hate crimes after 9-11only to fall victim themselves. May the Almighty bless you. It is revealing that in the room of the shooter were found three anti-liberal tracts by Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage which the police have seized as evidence indicating motive. Sadly, the Unitarian Church members were only the latest victims of an orchestrated hate campaign led by FOX News, the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Glenn Beck,and Lou Dobbs to name only a few. When will we have an open denunciation of the hate mongering media outlets and their corporate sponsors who have made such bigotry "mainstream" in the world's most racially and religiously diverse country. Imagine if the shooter had been an American Muslim or Hispanic imagine he had written a hate filled justification clearly linked to incendiary anti-conservative writers-there would be a media frenzy about the terrorist danger and indoctrination overwhelming America. We learn much about our country not only from this hate crime but by the fact that there is not a broader outcry against the purveyors of ethnic and religious bigotry when the immediate source is a white rightwing Evangelical/nationalist male.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Mujeeb Khan<BR/>Doctoral Program<BR/>The Dept. of Political Science<BR/>The University of California-BerkeleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-52207188090033083712008-08-07T10:03:00.000-07:002008-08-07T10:03:00.000-07:00The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracu...The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse, NY sends support, love and prayers to both Knoxville congregations. Our Lammas service on August 3rd honored the sacrifice and bravery of your members as part of our ritual. No words can describe either my sadness - or my pride in being with you in this important faith. Peggy Flanders, Syracuse, NYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-63735507778853514592008-08-06T00:40:00.000-07:002008-08-06T00:40:00.000-07:00We are with you. There is true evil in this world...We are with you. There is true evil in this world. Thankfully, there is also love, connection and beauty. I am so proud of the Knoxville congregation's response in the face of such evil. May you find some comfort and strength in knowing that you are not alone.<BR/>Namaste,<BR/>Kathy Cole<BR/>Neighborhood UU Church member<BR/>Pasadena, CaliforniaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-73220454054271733102008-08-05T20:14:00.000-07:002008-08-05T20:14:00.000-07:00Mi Corazón Se Une A Vuestro Dolor.La Paz Es El Cam...Mi Corazón Se Une A Vuestro Dolor.<BR/><BR/>La Paz Es El Camino.<BR/><BR/>No Al Odio. No Al Prejuicio.<BR/><BR/>Paz, Luz, y Amor Para Todos.<BR/><BR/>Islas Canarias. Europa.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-12985942729862569712008-08-04T18:02:00.000-07:002008-08-04T18:02:00.000-07:00The Unitarians of Knoxville and the Unitarian Univ...The Unitarians of Knoxville and the Unitarian Universalist Association were lovingly held in the Light by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) at worship on Sunday, August 3 during a gathering of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting at Center Valley, PA. We are so sorry that you have suffered these deaths and injuries in your congregation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-27139930745158522972008-08-04T17:53:00.000-07:002008-08-04T17:53:00.000-07:00this brutal and senseless crime has made many of u...this brutal and senseless crime has made many of us feel vulnerable. However, it has made all of us feel proud, strong, and resolved to stand up to this and all other forms of terrorism. I am so sorry that the two congregations in Knoxville, and all their individual members and friends, have suffered from this violent act. I hope that our responses will help troubled individuals turn away from violence.<BR/><BR/>David C. Kopaska-Merkel<BR/>Unitarian Universalist congregation of TuscaloosaDavid Kopaska-Merkelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00671933173361524910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-69844065893601178512008-08-04T15:15:00.000-07:002008-08-04T15:15:00.000-07:00On behalf of the entire UU community in Stockton, ...On behalf of the entire UU community in Stockton, California, I send love and strength to all who have been affected by this terrible event. We honored and prayed for you in worship yesterday, and many of my interfaith colleagues assured me that their congregations would be praying for you too. You are not alone. <BR/><BR/>Yours in faith and love,<BR/><BR/>Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig<BR/>Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-83312001104378535982008-08-04T15:05:00.000-07:002008-08-04T15:05:00.000-07:00Dear Brothers and Sisters in Tennessee,I wish you ...Dear Brothers and Sisters in Tennessee,<BR/>I wish you peace and serenity during this time of deep loss and grief. Please know that UUs all over the world hold you in their hearts and prayers. We stand proudly as Unitarian Universalists with open minds and hearts that seek love and peace for all.<BR/>Blessings, Karen Engelking, Member, UU Church West, Brookfield, WIAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-72955197459998707172008-08-04T12:21:00.000-07:002008-08-04T12:21:00.000-07:00You have not left my thoughts for long in the last...You have not left my thoughts for long in the last week. You make me proud to be a UU. My family and I have not attended the UU fellowship here where we moved a year ago (as much as we did before we moved), but the tragedy made us realize we need to stand on the side of love by attending more often. I am so truly and deeply sorry for your loss, but please know that your strength has made me so proud of Unitarian Universalism. I am hoping and praying for much love and healing to come to you all. Thank you for your strength and courage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-77888339577236777782008-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:002008-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00My heart goes out to everyone who was touched by t...My heart goes out to everyone who was touched by this terrible crime. You are not alone. We grieve with you.<BR/>Namaste,<BR/>Melissa, a fellow UU from Los Angeles, CaliforniaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05580405809658743524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-15046665288813545292008-08-04T11:26:00.000-07:002008-08-04T11:26:00.000-07:00As Randall Bachman said so eloquently earlier, thi...As Randall Bachman said so eloquently earlier, this church, and Greg in particular, show us what it is to love and stand up for that love. We have known for a long time that to stand on the side of love is not easy, and it has been shown even more clearly that it is dangerous. I have never been more proud to be a UU and strive to live our values.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-49448403917592133792008-08-04T10:34:00.000-07:002008-08-04T10:34:00.000-07:00I am not a Universalist, nor a Christian, and not ...I am not a Universalist, nor a Christian, and not even a theist. However, the members of the TVUUC that were victims of this act of violence have been on my mind a great deal the past week. If any of you are reading this, I hope that you have all found the beginning of healing.<BR/><BR/>I'm struck anew in reading the news articles and blogs (especially this one) by the incredibly loving nature of UUs, even toward the perpetrator of this act. I'm so angry about what happened that I cannot find love or sadness or forgiveness in my heart for the man who did this, nor for the millions who in some measure encouraged him and think he was justified. Sadly, they are there ... just read the comments of readers of knoxnews.com (the local newspaper). Within an hour of this happening, there were postings by those who basically said "a church like that was just asking for it."<BR/><BR/>I was born in and lived in Knoxville for many years, but finally left in search of a better life. I knew there had to be somewhere, some community, where I fit in, and I have been lucky enough to find it. I am a proud gay LIBERAL - a double whammy in Knoxville, where the Christian churces regularly spew hatred and intolerance for both from the pulpit. No one from Knoxville can possibly be surprised that a man like this lived among them. Good grief, the people elected a "county mayor" who at a contentious meeting in the 1990s encouraged anti-gay religious conservatives bussed in from all over the region to vent their intolerance and hatred at a county commission meeting. "Leave 'em alone! I like the ruckus!" he shouted as the chair was trying to restore order from the screaming fundamentalists frothing at the mouth. But he has the nerve to offer sympathy? Shame on you, Mr. Ragsdale. You and your ilk are criminals no better than the man who fired the gun.<BR/><BR/>I have deep connections with TVUUC going back to my childhood. As a child, before I even knew what LIBERAL meant, I admired (and envied) my friends who were Unitarians. I've attended many discussion & support groups at TVUUC, which has always been accomodating and gracious in offering to share their refuge from the unkind world outside their doors.<BR/><BR/>Now I have an even greater respect for you, members of the TVUUC. You are heroes not only for what happened that Sunday morning, but also for daring to stand out in the crowd in what is a very hostile place to do so. Now we know, and the world knows if it decides to pay attention, that in some ways we're not so different from those third-world countries where political killings and genocide is the order of the day. Yet you still stand up for what you believe, and you plead for tolerance and love even in your grief. You do inspire me.<BR/><BR/>"Have there ever been so many who owe so much to so few?"<BR/><BR/>Wow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-72713328861680346112008-08-04T10:18:00.000-07:002008-08-04T10:18:00.000-07:00The members and friends of the UU Congregation of ...The members and friends of the UU Congregation of Phoenix are sending all our love and prayers to you at TVUUC and Westside UU Fellowship. One of our members here had been a member of TVUUC many years ago. She is holding all you especially close in her heart. We gathered on Wednesday after the tragedy and again on Sunday to stand in love and solidarity with you. With deepest love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221831131750644982.post-64767285338818448002008-08-04T06:40:00.000-07:002008-08-04T06:40:00.000-07:00It is a shame that this world has come to such cha...It is a shame that this world has come to such chaos due to jealousy, greed, poverty, drug influence, or just plain insanity; that makes this world such a hard place to live. Even though some peoople are unstable and dangerous there is no need for you to have fun and find ways of being safe even in public places. There should always be a back up plan or make note of a proper escape route. Blessed be to those who have lost or been lost and those in mourning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com