From Your Temporary General Presbyter

October 27, 2018

Dear Hudson River Presbytery Colleagues:

We are all saddened by the attack of a Synagogue in Pittsburgh this day. We stand with our Jewish neighbors to proclaim our right to Freedom of Religion and religious expression. As a student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary I often rode my bicycle through the streets of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood and past the Tree of Life Synagogue right across the street from the Sixth Presbyterian Church. As soon as neighbors were allowed back on the streets (always very busy on a Saturday morning) many gathered at Sixth Pres for prayer and then to a public witness outside between the two houses of worship.

Our prayers are with all in that community and our country.

This is the first of a four part Liturgy after Terror Attacks from ReformJudaism.org

Here is a link to the full Liturgy

After a Terror Attack

Author of life,

Man has turned violent,

Crushing lives,

Upending dreams,

Attacking the heart of another city/nation

With vitriol and hatred

In [an act/coordinated acts] of calculated terror.

Source and Creator,

Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace

To the victims of terror throughout the world,

Men and women whose lives were cut off by witless aggression.

Today we [add / once again add] ______________ [insert city name]

To the list of places where innocents have been murdered and wounded.

Remember with love

The survivors of these horrors

Throughout the world.

Grant them shelter and solace,

Comfort and consolation,

Blessing and renewal.

Grant them endurance to survive,

Strength to rebuild,

Faith to mourn,

Courage to heal,

And devotion to each other.

Heavenly Guide,

Hand of love and shelter,

Grant the victims of terror Your protection,

Your wholeness and healing,

And Your peace.

As we celebrate Reformation Sunday may we remember those whose lives have been changed by the Reformation in all its forms, those who grieve this day and those who now look all around expecting danger.

One hymn that might be a last minute substitution: O God This Day We Grieve

Shared by Presbyterian Outlook - text can be found here. The Tune is the familiar "The God of Abraham Praise"

Grieving and Hoping for Peace,

The Rev. Peter Surgenor

Temporary General Presbyter