Remember the Tennessee Valley congregation in your thoughts and prayers as they try to recover from the deaths of two persons and injuries to seven others as a result of a man’s coming into their service yesterday and firing a shotgun into the sanctuary, which was filled with some 200 people. (At the time, about 25 children and youth in the church’s Summer Workshop were presenting a version of the musical Annie Jr.!) Killed were Greg McKendry, a Board member serving as an usher, who stood between the man and the children and youth performing; and Linda Kraeger.
The man charged with first-degree murder in the incident, Jim D. Adkisson, who has no connection to the church, was subdued by church members and held for authorities. In case the shooting turns out to be a hate crime, the FBI is assisting in the case.
In a letter posted yesterday on the UUA website, the Rev. William G. Sinkford, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), said that members of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry were on their way to Knoxville to offer additional ministry to the congregation as it grieves.
Our church has set up a fund for the Tennessee Valley congregation-something several of our members suggested. To donate to it, you may make a check payable to First Unitarian Church of St. Louis, write “Tennessee Valley Fund” on the memo line, and convey it to our church office. In addition, there will be a special offering for this fund at our service next Sunday, August 3. We plan to send our donation to the Tennessee church by Monday, August 11.
Flowers will be sent today to the minister, Board, and congregation of Tennessee Valley, in care of the neighboring church in which they are holding a candlelight service tonight. Additional means of showing support are being considered by the Executive Committee.
Tags: Board, Unitarian Universalists by admin