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Tucker First UMC holds prayer vigil for the victims of mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas

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Tucker First UMC holds prayer vigil for the victims of mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Ed Wheeler holds a candle during a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Wheeler said he attended the vigil in solidarity with the affected families and to “deal with our own grief and the repetition of yet another tragedy.” Photo by Dean Hesse
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Tucker, GA — On Thursday, May 26, Tucker First United Methodist Church held a prayer vigil for the victims and families of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

“We are all just experiencing great grief, anger and confusion over the events that happened. We wondered how long, how much longer, how many more times and in some way my hope is that our anger and grief can guide us to make a difference, to change things in our world,” said Senior Pastor Rev. Gerald Varner.

Around 20 people attended the vigil.

Church member Pat Shaver said she had taught fourth graders before and also had been a victim of gun violence in the past.

“I’m glad our church decided to do something, my heart went out to all of the families and the children,” said Shaver.

George Mize, a church member and former first responder, said, “United Methodists are called to address gun violence. Acts of senseless violence should not be an acceptable occurrence in any community. We are grieving and praying after the attack on the school. It is indescribable and deeply painful. We are also grieving Pastor Marita Harrell who was recently killed.”

Rev. Marita Harrell, pastor of Connections at Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Atlanta, was stabbed to death at a DeKalb County home May 18 by a man she was ministering to.

Tucker First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Gerald Varner leads a call to worship during a prayer vigil at the church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Raye Varney prays during a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Tucker First United Methodist Church Associate Pastor Rev. Anne Cumings sings “Be Still My Soul” accompanied by Charles Keown during a prayer vigil at the church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Around 20 people, including Robin Biro and his son Tucker attended a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

George Mize attends a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Tucker First United Methodist Church Associate Pastor Rev. Anne Cumings and Senior Pastor Rev. Gerald Varner light candles for the victims of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas during a prayer vigil at the church on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Photo by Dean Hesse.

C. J. Lord holds a candle during a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Around 20 people attend a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Church member Raye Varney, on left, and Youth Minister Chris Moss read a list of school shootings that have occurred in the U.S. and the number of victims who have died during a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Leigh Andersen shares the light of her candle during a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

Around 20 people attended a prayer vigil at Tucker First United Methodist Church on May 26, 2022, held in the wake of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Photo by Dean Hesse.

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