Following our Anglican tradition of honoring the saints who have shaped our lives, our parish will have alternative readings and prayers on June 15, 2025 to commemorate those who died and those who survived on June 16, 2022, an event that has shaped our Christian identity and reminded us of the ultimate cost of God’s unconditional love. It has also shown us the way to live as Christians who model hospitality, grace, forgiveness, and love.
We will hold a special liturgy at 8:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. with the beautiful altar frontal and stoles that were made as a project from the prayer ribbons shared with Saint Stephen’s after the tragedy. All are invited to visit or you can view the Livestream of the 10:15 a.m. service here.
Sam Gilliam will be with Saint Stephen’s on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall for a formation opportunity to discuss “A Visit from Mary, the Mother of Jesus”. In an oddly serendipitous moment, she worshipped with us on the Sunday following June 16, 2022, when she was in town for the premiere of a play she had written for Red Mountain Theater Company. While a native of Austin, Texas, Sam wrote the play that was performed as part of our 50th Anniversary. You can view that play here.
At 6:15 p.m., on June 15, we will gather on the memorial garden labyrinth for a facilitated labyrinth walk. A small reception hosted by some of our Middlers group will follow in the Gathering Space. We are prepared to accommodate our unpredictable summer weather, so please plan to join us for a meaningful service rain or shine.
We will leave materials out during the entire day of June 16 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and invite anyone who would like to walk to the garden labyrinth in memorial of the tragedy. Copies of The Light Shines in the Darkness will be available for purchase in the crossroads.
I hope you will join me in remembering the incredible lives of the martyrs of Saint Stephen’s and pause to give thanks for the way they have shaped our lives and our faith. And please join me in lifting all those whose lives have been touched by the tragedy three years ago.
Faithfully,
The Rev. John B. Burruss, Rector