The Lord’s Day
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| The next time you are in worship, or other church gathering, look around. As you give thanks for the people gathered, consider these statistics: 1 in every 4 women experience at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood; 1 in every 4 girls and 1 in every 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they turn 16; fully 75–95 percent know the offender; 1 in 5 female high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner; 1 in 20 older Americans experience physical or sexual harm, neglect, psychological abuse, or material or financial abuse. Ninety percent know the perpetrators, who are often family members.
Chances are good that someone you know has lived the nightmare, pain, and isolation of domestic violence. Someone you know has cried out like the psalmist, do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Domestic violence wounds God’s precious children and violates God’s intention that we live in safe and secure relationships. Its destructive power knows no boundaries and is often passed from generation to generation. It affects people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It creates a downward spiral of violence that is difficult to break. Its shame isolates its victims and victimizers, keeping them from reaching out for help and the promise of new life. In Christ, God calls the church to love one another and minister to each other’s wounds, to disrupt the spiral of violence and create circles of peace. We are challenged to reach out to abused and abusers alike, offering the hope and promise of God’s mercy and healing love. This call to break the spiral of domestic violence has compelled congregations to talk about family violence in worship and education and provide pastoral care to victims, perpetrators, and survivors of violence. Congregations are supporting domestic violence shelters, safe houses, and violence awareness programs. Members are volunteering to work at a domestic violence or rape crisis hotline or clearinghouse. More and more congregations are offering classes on healthy relationships to people of all ages. —Elder Sara Pottschmidt Lisherness, associate director, Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, Congregational Ministries |
 Job 23:1–9, 16–17 O Lord, Make Haste to Hear My Cry PH 249, HB 392 Ps. 22:1–15 Lord, Why Have You Forsaken Me PH 168 Heb. 4:12–16 Lord Jesus, Think on Me PH 301, HB 270 When High the Heavenly Temple Stands HB 389 Mark 10:17–31 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound PH 280, HB 275 |
 God of peace and comfort, lend your ears to those who cry out for your tender presence. Grant that we as your people might also lend our ears to those in need, offering wholeness, security, and healing love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
