a night of grief, hope and community

Last night, two events occurred within a few blocks from each other in NOPA. A joint gathering of Saint Cyprian's Episcopal and Saint Paulus Lutheran contemplating the future of San Francisco faith communities and a neighborhood vigil grieving the tragic death of a young German bicyclist, a large diverse group coming together to offer a collective call for safer streets. The meeting at St. Cyprian's was full of warmth and hospitality as members of these two communities young and old shared hopes, dreams and creative possibilities. One of St. Cyprian's elders made a strong point about wanting to see the church connected to our local neighborhood much more in the future. Following the joint mission night, a number of members of St. Cyprian's joined me at the vigil and candle light walk.

Many thanks to all those who put together last night's moving vigil, particularly Michael Helquist of Bike NOPA and Marc Caswell of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Please read more about the vigil, Yannick Linke and consider giving something in his honor to Doctors without Borders. All this information is available at Bike NOPA and on the SF Streets Blog.

Saint Cyprian's is blessed to be part of an eclectic, dynamic neighborhood community who are helping our little church find all sorts of ways to be an active and meaningful participant in their lives.

Below you'll find the remarks I prepared for the event though I ended up speaking with out notes.

We gather this night in mourning and sorrow for the tragic loss of two people, Yannick Linke, a traveler from far away and Melissa Dennison, a neighbor. We gather to honor them, and also to gain strength for the difficult work of making our streets safer for all, bicyclist, skater, pedestrian, transit rider and driver. We come to this intersection not just because something horrific happened here, but also because we understand that Yannick’s recent death invites us to recognize ourselves as part of a common fabric, that we are intricately connected with one another. This tragic loss of these young lives have called all of us no matter where we are from, or what our mode of transportation to take greater responsibility for the well being of others.

As the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, said,
“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality; tied in a single garment of destiny.”

Tonight, we together acknowledge the vulnerability of human life, we come made aware that our local decisions to look out for one another have global implications. The choice to reach out to our neighbors, to mourn the loss of a bright eyed young traveler at this intersection, to work together for safer streets is a step toward not simply a better neighborhood in San Francisco, but literally sends ripples of love, solidarity and compassion all over the world.

May the Holy One, of many names, and traditions to whom all the desires of our hearts are known before we ask, hear our prayers for Yannick and for all who mourn, and grant us newness of life and peace. AMEN