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Apr 09, 2014 | Luke Blount

Killeen Episcopalians Show Resiliency in Face of Fort Hood Tragedy

 

Following the devastating shooting at Fort Hood, parishioners at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Killeen placed four memorial cross on the altar in memory the four lives lost. As memorial ceremonies took place at Fort Hood on Wednesday, the Rev. Janice Jones sent out the following prayer to parishioners via email and Facebook:

 

Lord and Redeemer,

We join our prayers today with those whose heads are bowed at Fort Hood. We pray for peace for those whose lives were lost and we pray for healing for those who mourn. Protect the protectors; bless those who serve, and strengthen those who love them.

Renew the hearts of those who would do harm, restoring to them a life that knows your love rather than evil.

Teach us each to live in this world recognizing and embracing the love in which we were created, that each day might become one of peace. Lord make us whole.  Amen.

 

None of the families from St. Christopher's were directly affected, but many had friends and loved ones who needed comforting. Many roads remain closed and the army post has kept security tight. Still, Jones said she was impressed by the resiliency of the community.

 

"We have been working to be useful to the community, and also start out of the way a little bit," Jones said. "This evil is not going to take over our lives. We are going to get on with what we are supposed to be doing."

 

Jones said that members of her congregation were obviously concerned and sad, but pushed forward with a sense "healthy faithfulness" instead of ideas of retribution.

 

The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle released a message on the day after the shooting which read in part, "The shootings at Fort Hood are a tragic reminder that we must redouble our efforts to tend to our wounded in body, mind and spirit." Read the full statement here.

 

St. Christopher's operates a preschool with many children from military families. The staff's goal is to maintain a sense of continuity and consistency as events and emotions in the community are in flux.

 

Constantly impressed by the strength of the military community, Jones knows that her congregation has much to be thankful for. "I think its the first time I've ever told a parishioner, 'I bet you're glad your husband was in Afghanistan,'" she said.