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By ELCA publications staff and Religion News Service Reflections from Orlando


In the early morning hours of June 12, a lone gunman entered Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and killed 49 people and wounded 53 others. Many of the victims were Hispanic. Following news of the attack, many ELCA congregations around the country responded with prayer vigils and offerings of support.


Reformation Lutheran Church is located a half mile from Pulse, and after the attack its members gathered to remember and honor the lives of those who were killed. Below are some reflections.


Rob Cosmas, pastor of Reformation: The shock and disbelief of the news compelled me to visit one of our many partners, the longest continuously meeting Hispanic Alcoholics Anonymous group in Central Florida. “It is so good for us to be together,” I said. “We love you and please know how deeply God loves you.” Hugs were shared and tears were shed.


A woman followed me outside, turning her eyes to the ground. With tears flowing, she said, “Pastor, I am so, so very angry!” We embraced for a long moment, together at his sacred heart.


It was not until I entered evening worship that I noticed the sweet and overpowering smell of her perfume. In a few short moments, I would be preaching to our worshipers on the text for the day, Luke 7:38-39: “She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.”


Today I bear the fragrance of love, known only in the depth of compassion we share, a gentle embrace and the tears of a broken heart. We are one at the heart of the Father through Christ.


Joan Brown Williams, a member of Reformation: On Sunday, June 12, as members of Reformation Lutheran Church gathered for worship, the helicopter whirls overhead reminded all of the tragic shooting that had occurred a few hours earlier less


8 AUGUST 2016


On June 19, Reformation Lutheran, Orlando, Fla., held a service to honor those who died during the shooting at Pulse nightclub. Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop Robert Schaefer (left); Keith Mobley, who attends Reformation; and Rob Cosmas, its pastor, joined the congregation in processing to a bell tower after the service to deliver an Easter message of resurrection.


than a mile away. Some worshipers were out of the area on vacation; first responders who normally worshiped at Reformation were missing.


The next Sunday, June 19, Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop Robert Schaefer was invited to deliver the message. The sanctuary was almost Easter-crowded with members; former members; assistant to the bishop Jaime Dubon; members of the AA group that uses the facilities; members of the Hispanic community; members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; retired clergy from around the synod; neighbors; and family members. Schaefer’s message was clear: “God’s Work. Our Hands. Orlando Strong. Go— proclaim what God has done for us.”


During prayers, the 49 victims’ names were read and a bell was rung for each. The service concluded with a processional led by the cross and All Saints banner. This served as an Easter proclamation of resurrection to the world.


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