Tragic Killings In Penticton Impacts LCC Congregation

Rev. Michael Schutz, pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church, issued the following statement today: “The small city of Penticton – in the southern part of BC’s Okanagan valley – was rocked by the news of a gunman who shot and killed four people on the Monday morning of Holy Week. While it has shaken the whole community, our LCC church in Penticton – Concordia Lutheran Church & School – was particularly affected, as two of the victims were closely connected to the congregation.  The people of Concordia are grieving and mourning with one another and the families of the victims. On Tuesday they held a gathering to share God’s Word and pray with one another and members of the Penticton and area community, and there was a community event held Wednesday night in downtown Penticton.  That this happened during Holy Week is a particularly stark reminder that the reason Jesus came was for precisely this – to break the power of sin and darkness through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. As we move through the events of Holy Week, the sure hope that we have in Jesus will be of particular comfort to the people of Concordia, and – we pray – to many more in Penticton and area who are grappling with issues of life and death in these days.”

LCC President, Rev. Timothy Teuscher, urges all of our congregations to lift up the families of those whose loved ones were so senselessly and brutally taken from them, the Penticton community, the members of Concordia congregation, and Pastor Schutz.

“When aimless violence takes those we love, When random death strikes childhood’s promise down, When wrenching loss becomes our daily bread, We know, O God, you leave us not alone.

“Because your Son knew agony and loss, Felt desolation, grief, and scorn and shame, We know you will be with us, come what may, Your loving presence near, always the same.

Through long, grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord, To trust your grace for courage to endure, To rest our souls in your supporting love, And find our help within your mercy sure.” (LSB 764:1, 4-5)

Statement from Concordia Lutheran Church, Penticton, BC Pastor Michael Schutz

The small city of Penticton – in the southern part of BC’s Okanagan valley – was rocked by the news of a gunman who shot and killed four people on the Monday morning of Holy Week. While it has shaken the whole community, our LCC church in Penticton – Concordia Lutheran Church & School – was particularly affected, as two of the victims were closely connected to the congregation. The people of Concordia are grieving and mourning with one another and the families of the victims. On Tuesday they held a gathering to share God’s Word and pray with one another and members of the Penticton and area community, and there was a community event held Wednesday night in downtown Penticton.

That this happened during Holy Week is a particularly stark reminder that the reason Jesus came was for precisely this: to break the power of sin and darkness through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. As we move through the events of Holy Week, the sure hope that we have in Jesus will be of particular comfort to the people of Concordia, and – we pray – to many more in Penticton and area who are grappling with issues of life and death in these days.

Statement from West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns

My heart aches for the pain and the shock of the murders which occurred this week in Penticton. Two of those who were murdered were from families of Concordia Lutheran Church, Penticton. “Lord have mercy!” has been the cry of the church to her Lord and Protector at times like this. For truly what is beyond our comprehension, is not beyond our God. He is able to hold together lives that have been violently ripped apart by such an evil act.

“Lord, when You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, will I seek.’ In all our grief and shock at the murder of loved ones whose families are members of Concordia Lutheran Church in Penticton, we do not know where to find consolation and counsel except in You. With You our hearts have found at all times comfort, help and counsel. Come quickly to the aid of our brothers and sister whose loved ones have been slain. Lord, have mercy.”

“Lord, we especially seek the comfort of your promises for trouble has come upon your people in Penticton. You have said, ‘Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you’ (Ps 51:15). “Fear not, for I am with you, I will help you, I will uphold with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). “The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you” (Isaiah 54:10). O Lord, have mercy on all those affected by these murders. Be not far from them. Your Word places You before us as our mighty God, a loving Father, a strong Helper, a gracious Comforter, a sure Deliverer. Come to the aid and the defense of all those affected by these senseless acts of murder that this evil and these deaths will not separate them from you and Your love for them in Christ Jesus. Lord, have mercy.”

“Lord, we know you faithfully keep Your promises. The hearts of your people are filled with grief. There are no words that can give expression to the situation of these victims of violence. The shock of this evil act is numbing to body, mind and soul. The pain is too much to bear and words cannot give expression to the grief so many are experiencing. We trust in Your promised Holy Spirit to bring before You the needs that words cannot express. Bring Your peace to these your children whom You love. Take them into your loving arms dear Father and comfort them as only You can. Lord, have mercy.”

Statement from Synod President Rev. Timothy Teuscher

I urge all of the congregations in our Lutheran Church—Canada family to lift up the families of those whose loved ones were so senselessly and brutally taken from them, the Penticton community, the members of Concordia congregation, and Pastor Schutz as he seeks to bring the comfort and hope of the cross and the empty tomb to a grieving, mourning community in shock. Most of us have never had to use one of the hymns in our Lutheran Service Book, but, sadly, this is certainly one of those times.

“When aimless violence takes those we love, When random death strikes childhood’s promise down, When wrenching loss becomes our daily bread, We know, O God, you leave us not alone.

“Because your Son knew agony and loss, Felt desolation, grief, and scorn and shame, We know you will be with us, come what may, Your loving presence near, always the same.

“Through long, grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord, To trust your grace for courage to endure, To rest our souls in your supporting love, And find our help within your mercy sure.” (LSB 764:1, 4-5)

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