Presbyterian Mission Agency school shooting Archives

Trauma and grace

Posted August 1st, 2019

As I write, there are reports of yet another school shooting. The refrain “I never thought this would happen here” has become a mantra on the evening news. The circle of those experiencing trauma — or knowing someone who has — widens daily.

Presbyterian churches remember victims in Texas school shootings

Posted May 22nd, 2018

Presbyterian church leaders continue to follow the aftermath of last Friday’s mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in the Houston area. As many as 10 people were killed and 13 wounded in the 25-minute attack. Authorities are still investigating what led the 17-year-old suspect to fire on students and faculty.

Youth Worker Sabbath Day

Posted March 15th, 2018

Presbyterian youth worker Michelle Phillips felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. “Recently some students skipped high school,” she said, her voice trailing off. Then she explained: Speeding, the students were in a tragic car accident. One of the passengers died; the other was in critical condition. The driver walked away without any physical injuries. None of the students were involved at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas, where Phillips serves as the director of youth and family ministry. But students in Overland Park wanted answers. They came to her asking, “Why did this happen? Why wasn’t the driver hurt?”

Presbyterian leaders reach out to Parkland, Florida following school shooting

Posted February 15th, 2018

Ash Wednesday turned deadly in Parkland, Florida when a lone gunman opened fire at the Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 and wounding more than 14. Some of the injured remain in critical condition today.

Kentucky school shooting deaths shock small town

Posted January 25th, 2018

The shooting deaths of two high school students in the small western Kentucky town of Benton have left residents and surrounding communities in shock. Teachers, parents, faith and government leaders have spent the past few days trying to determine the cause as well as solutions to the violence.