The Sunday following the shootings was difficult for the Santa Barbara community including our Korean United Methodist Church (Goleta, CA) and Santa Barbara First United Methodist Church (Santa Barbara).
A member of Santa Barbara Korean had witnessed the shooting. And, a member of Santa Barbara First was a recipient an email sent by the shooter. But, the United Methodist Church is firmly embracing the community in care.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño was present with Rev. Chiyoung Jeong, Pastor of Santa Barbara Korean, to provide spiritual care for the congregation that Sunday.
Rev. Jeong, who has served as a chaplain to local law enforcement for the past 14 years, was present at the memorial gathering for students and has been present on campus to provide spiritual care.
Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth, North District Superintendent, has been in close contact with the churches to convey prayers for the community.
Rev. Dr. Hillary Chrisley and First UMC is deploying Stephen Ministers. And, Rev. Dr. Alan Strout, a member of the Disaster Response Network, was present at the Compassion Centers as well as the Street Teams.
The impact of shootings can be long lasting and community-wide. But, the caring hands of God are eternally present. Let us continue to keep the Santa Barbara community in prayer.
Follow:
- Santa Barbara Korean UMC (sbkumc.org)
- Santa Barbara First UMC (fumcsb.org // FB)
