June 16 Worship Service Commemorating the Martyrs of Saint Stephen's

On Friday, June 16, we mark the first anniversary of the tragic shooting in our Parish Hall. To mark the anniversary, we will gather for worship in the Nave at 6:30 p.m. Our clergy, staff, choir, and musicians are planning a meaningful service with special prayers, scriptures, and music, selected to honor those who have died as well as to encourage all of us who are forever changed by all that was set into motion last June 16. At this Service Commemorating the Martyrs of Saint Stephen’s, we will be joined by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, who will be our preacher. A reception will follow on the patio (rain location will be the Gathering Space).

As we are expecting a full Nave, additional seating will be set up in the hallway (note that we have fixed the speaker system so audio will be available for those seated outside the Nave). We will livestream the service, so that those who prefer to view from home may do so, whether that evening or at any time later.

Please be assured that we will reserve plenty of seating for the families of those who died and for those who were present at the Boomers dinner last June 16 (and their families). In addition, please know that Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be spending time with those in this group prior to the service, being a pastoral presence for them on this challenging day.

The plan for many months has been for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to be with us as our preacher for this service. However, we learned this week that he recently has been hospitalized, and they have not yet given him medical clearance to resume his travel schedule (see this article for details).We are praying that Presiding Bishop Curry will be back in good health soon, and hoping that he will be up to being with us that day. However, please know that we will worship together on June 16 regardless of whether the presiding bishop travels to Birmingham.

The Parish Hall will be open from 5:30-6:15 p.m. as a contemplative space for anyone from the congregation and community who would like to spend quiet, prayerful time in the space. The canvas labyrinth will be unfolded and candles will be lit; healing intercessors and counselors will be present for those who desire their support.

Finally, while we are not yet sure if the Memorial Labyrinth Garden construction will be finished in time for the presiding bishop’s visit, we do plan a time when the families of Sharon, Jane, and Bart and June 16 survivors will have the opportunity to spend quiet time in the labyrinth garden. Following the service, the presiding bishop will say a blessing over what will be a sacred, contemplative space for our church and our community for many decades to come. The Light Shines in the Darkness, our anthology of personal essays, will be available for purchase before and after the service, with proceeds supporting the construction of the labyrinth.

As we approach June 16, we ask your prayers for the families of those who died and for all the survivors and members of our community who continue to grieve, struggle, and process this trauma. We ask your prayers that this anniversary will be an important milestone for our church, as we continue to process this painful event in our church’s history in the spirit of Christ’s light and love.

Faithfully,

John+