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Dear friends,

Many of us are carrying Saturday's crash at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. Two people from McPherson died, and others were hurt, including people we love. There will be many good resources this week from schools, counselors and doctors, and I hope you'll use them. Here's what our faith offers alongside them.

For generations, Methodists have followed three simple rules from John Wesley: do no harm, do good, and stay close to God. They fit a week like this one.

Do no harm

  • Keep your words simple: "I'm so sorry." "I don't know what to say, but I love you."
  • If you knew someone who died, don't be afraid to say their name.
  • Avoid "everything happens for a reason" or "God needed another angel." We don't believe God caused this, and we don't have every answer for why it happened. We trust what Psalm 34:18 says: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted."

Do good

  • Send a text: "No need to reply. I'm praying for you."
  • Offer something specific, like a meal or a ride, instead of "Let me know if you need anything."
  • Remember the injured and their families in the weeks of healing ahead, and the coaches, teammates and families who saw it happen.
  • Check back in a few weeks, when the cards slow down.

Stay close to God

  • Pray honestly. The Psalms are full of people telling God the truth: How long? Why? Where are you? You can pray that way too.
  • Pray with the kids in your life, whether they're your children, grandchildren or neighbors. Ask what they've heard, listen all the way through, and let them bring God their hard questions. It's okay to say, "I don't know, but I know God is with us."
  • Hold on to Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble."

If you'd like to talk or pray with someone, Pastor Chantel and I are glad to. You don't have to carry this alone.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Andrew

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