LICA Vigil for George Floyd: Wed, June 3 – and resource lists
Dear friends,
Firstly, the Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association is coordinating a vigil to stand in solidarity with those who are victims of violence and to commemorate the death of George Floyd tomorrow, Wednesday, from roughly 6pm to 7pm. Details are below, including a request for two volunteers to help.
But before I get to those details, I want to acknowledge that this is a difficult and important time as we watch the turmoil that is gripping our nation. We may have many strong and even confusing and conflicted feelings. Now is not a time to try to avoid or deflect those feelings by trying to “fix” things to make them go away. There are no short-term solutions to the problems we face. Instead, now is a time to sit with our discomfort, feel the pain of others, educate ourselves, and ask in prayer for God’s guidance for how we can live out our baptismal promises of respecting the dignity of every human being and working for justice and peace.
As we sang on Sunday, we ARE the church even when we are stuck at home and there are many ways we can be the church from home right now. See the resource lists below for more details.
Interfaith Vigil
The Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association invites individuals and households to gather at safe physical distance, wearing masks, along the sidewalks of Massachusetts Avenue throughout Lexington for a vigil on Wednesday night. You’re invited to bring a sign calling for Racial Justice.
- Most faith communities will be standing near their building, from one end of town to the other. This is to make sure there is no large gathering in any one place. Redeemer members are invited to stand on Mass Ave near Meriam Street, in front of the Visitor’s Center and/or Abbot’s Custard shop.
- You are also welcome to join from home or your car – display your sign and take a picture to post on social media.
- At 6:30, the bells of houses of worship, including Redeemer’s, will ring. All will kneel in silence for 8 minutes and 46 second to remember George Floyd.
- At 6:38:46, the bells will ring again to mark the end of the period of silence.
- There will be no speakers or gathering, only the silent kneeling.
- Since this is a vigil by people of faith in Lexington, feel free to bring a sign saying “Church of Our Redeemer stands for Racial Justice” and any additional message you wish to add.
- PLEASE WEAR A MASK and stay 6 feet apart from others.
We have a volunteer already to stream the event to Redeemer’s Facebook page. If you could volunteer to ring Redeemer’s bell at 6:30 and 6:38:46, please let me know!
Peace,
Kate