Comments for Newtown United Methodist Church

Comment on Sandy Hook Elementary School by Rev. Sandy Giles

Rev. Sandy Giles — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:43:22 +0000

As the 6 month anniversary of the tragedy approaches this week, please know that we of First UMC, Waynesville, NC, continue to keep you and the families who have lost so much in our thoughts and prayers. We are in Bibletimes Marketplace this week, a wonderful learning environment for our children and the adults who volunteer with them. All children should have that opportunity.
I made a statement from the pulpit in December promising to write you, and I do so now, realizing that often condolences are expressed early on, but then forgotten. I also pledged to write more letters and sign more petitions calling for gun control, and I have done so, as I know many of our congregants have.
We have not forgotten you and continue to uphold you in prayer, even as we pray for peace for all.

Comment on Sandy Hook Elementary School by jcstumbo

jcstumbo — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:37:52 +0000

“Our pastor at the Hindman UMC in Hindman, Ky. asked each of us to give Jesus a gift in 2013. My gift to Him is to spend the 26th of each month doing acts of kindness to those who cannot return it. I am doing this in memory of those who lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary.”

(Message sent by jcstumbo to the Editor of The Vision, who wanted NUMC to know about this great idea)

Comment on Sandy Hook Elementary School by Abigail Sebastian

Abigail Sebastian — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 03:11:45 +0000

Our UMW Circle at First United Methodist of Pineville, LA, after a program about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School pulled from your website, decided to do two things to honor your children. First, we donated $200 for youth scholarships to the summer Bigstuf discipleship camp held yearly in Panama City, Florida. Secondly, we decided to surprise our 60 School Resource Officers with a small Treat Bag, thanking them for protecting our children, teachers and schools here in Rapides Parish. We delivered them personally last Friday. These men and women were REALLY surprised and touched. We are sending you a print copy of this by snaiil mail. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the Newtown community. May God bless and keep you. The Dianne Bolton Circle

Comment on Sandy Hook Elementary School by Ted L Wampler

Ted L Wampler — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:26:59 +0000

My daughter Mary Lee was killed in an automobile accident in Oct 1995. Although devote Christians, my wife and I needed some additional help beyond the church with our grief. We were introduced to a group called The Compassionate Friends that minister to parents that have lost children through death. We are heavily involved in The Hope Chapter in Knoxville, TN. I have written a book called Will Our Tears Forever Flow? that describs the intense grief that follows the death of a child. I am mailing a copy to the parents of each of the children that lost their life at Sandy Hook Elementary. I am also sending a personal invitation to attend The Compassionate Friends in your area. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
Ted L Wampler

Comment on Sandy Hook Elementary School by Deb Clifford

Deb Clifford — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:20:19 +0000

I decided I needed to start with myself. I vowed to refrain from filling my time with television shows that feature violence. I have since stopped watching all crime, police drama, investigation shows that feature gruesome deaths and violence that desensitize our psyche and our souls to the true nature of death and violence. If I turn on the TV now, I choose to view nature shows, family dramas, historical dramas and uplifting stories. PBS is my new friend. Next I decided to take my message outward. I had an opportunity, as part of a work offsite, to share a video or story that inspired me. I read aloud to the participants the letter of hope and light in the darkness sent by Rev. Mel. I told of how the many spirit-filled responses and love from tragedy inspire me. Finally, I will heed Rev. Mel’s words and work in ways that support social justice and peace. Prayers continue…..