Dear People of Saints James and Andrew,

I write with the overwhelmingly sad news of parishioner Meaghan Burns' death.  Meaghan was an innocent bystander in a tragic act of gun violence this past Saturday.  Meaghan served in the US Navy and was stationed in Virginia. She was confirmed at former St. James in 2014 by Bishop Doug, and would join her mother, Carolyn Burns, for church when she was home on leave. Meaghan had a joyful heart, and her death is a devastating loss. 

While there are no words for such loss, I find myself turning to this prayer: Compassionate God, your ways are beyond our understanding, and your love for those whom you create is greater by far than ours; comfort all who grieve for Meaghan. Give them the faith to endure the wilderness of bereavement and bring them in the fullness of time to share with Meaghan the light and joy of your eternal presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   -Enriching Our Worship 2

While services for Meaghan will be held later this spring, we will be hosting A Vigil for Meaghan & Gun Violence Prevention on May 15, 2019 at 5pm in the church of Saints James and Andrew. Please join us as we gather to remember Meaghan and stand united together against gun violence.

You can read Meaghan's obituary here.  

Condolences may be sent to:
Carolyn, Matthew, and Kyleigh Burns
21 Meadow Wood Dr. 
South Deerfield, MA 01373

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Meaghan to Bishops United Against Gun Violence by sending a check, payable to the Episcopal Church in Connecticut with "Bishops United" in the memo line, to: Episcopal Church in Connecticut, The Commons, 290 Pratt Street, Box 52, Meriden CT 06450

Please keep Meaghan, her mom Carolyn, her dad Matthew, and her sister Kyleigh in your prayers.  

May Meaghan rest in peace, and rise in glory everlasting.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Heather J. Blais,
Rector

About Bishops United Against Gun Violence:
Bishops United Against Gun Violence is a group of more than 80 Episcopal bishops working to curtail the epidemic of gun violence in the United States.  We believe in a God of life in the face of death who calls our church to speak and act decisively against the unholy trinity of poverty, racism and violence.  

In the struggle against these evils, our group offers four contributions:

1. Public liturgy including processions, vigils and prayers services to commemorate the dead and inspire the living.
2. Spiritual support for those living with gun shot wounds, with grief, with fear and with the temptation of hopelessness, and advocacy for broader and easier access to mental health services for those at risk of suicide. 
3. Sound teaching for those yearning to bring an ethic of Christian compassion and concern for the common good to bear on debates regarding unjust economic and legal structures, public safety, individual rights and our responsibilities to one another as children of God.
4. Persistent advocacy for common sense gun safety measures that enjoy the support of gun owners and non-gun owners alike.