In the aftermath of a shooting...

At about 7:15 PM, just as the May 26 neighborhood barbecue was winding down, the 15 or so people still on the front lawn were stopped in their tracks by the very loud pop pop pop of gunfire. The sound came from Mott Street and Michigan Market, shown below. Witnesses saw people running out of the store, chasing someone away from the church, down Mott. (Photo below). We learned later that a fifteen-year-old boy was shot. As far as we know, he is in critical but stable condition in the hospital.
We are living in a world of increased gun violence. No one is immune to it, but our church has experienced more than our share lately. Our Alderwoman, police officers, and state representatives are working hard to mitigate the risks.
Here is what we are doing to keep you safe:

• Our building has 24/7 video monitoring and a security system.
• Our leaders are vigilant in keeping doors locked when needed while maintaining access and hospitality on our grounds.
• Parking for families and children in our parking lot enhances the safety of our families.
• Michigan Market is on the radar of our civic leaders and police department. The level of crime surrounding it has been noted and is being responded to. Pastor Rebecca regularly communicates with our civic leaders about our concerns.

St Paul's is a community called to serve Carondelet. Our well-being is not rooted in a false sense of safety but in the confidence that God will never leave or forsake us. Jesus has invited us to be his people in this place, and here we continue to stand, proclaiming Jesus' gospel of hope, love, and transformation. While we remain vigilant, we will not let fear overcome our calling to be the church in this place. 

​ -- Pastor Rebecca

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