The Rev. Laird Duran
Our Saviour Lutheran Church
2926 Wood Street
Jonesboro, AR 72404
Dear Pastor Duran:
On behalf of the other 5.2 million members of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, as well as personally, I want to express our deepest
concern and compassion to you, the people of Jonesboro and surrounding
communities.
Throughout our nation and around the world God's faithful people offer
their prayers for you who suffer a profound loss. The Psalmist's prayer
utters both our need and our hope, "Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong
fortress to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress" (Psalm 71).
Along with other Christian churches around the world, the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America observes the 40-day season of Lent. As we
follow our Lord Jesus Christ on His journey to the crucifixion, we are
reminded that God is with us in the midst of our deepest pain and
suffering. In the promise of Jesus' resurrection we cling to an abiding
hope that death is not the final word. Those who have died are entrusted
into the larger life of God. I hope that this good news can be a word of
comfort and healing to all who mourn in Jonesboro.
Please know that in the days ahead, as your community seeks to regain a
measure of peace and stability, we of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America stand with you. We are grateful for the caring ministry of Pastor
Duran and the members of Our Saviour Lutheran congregation, as well that of
all our Christian sisters and brothers in the other churches of the
Jonesboro community. May God be with you all.
Faithfully in Christ,
H. George Anderson
Presiding Bishop
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
