An ecumenical service of prayer for healing and peace was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sunday, December 18, 2011, three days after a shooting immediately following a jury’s guilty verdict at Cook County Courthouse. The service entreated community members to seek peace and healing for everyone involved as well as their family members.
Close to 70 people from churches throughout the community gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sunday, December 18, 2011 for a service of prayer for healing and peace after shootings at the Cook County courthouse in Grand Marais three days earlier.
After a jury found Dan Schlienz guilty of sexual misconduct on Thursday, December 15, he allegedly shot County Attorney Tim Scannell and witness Greg Thompson each three times. Both were transported to Duluth, had surgery, and at press time are home recovering.
At the service were relatives and close friends of those directly involved in the shootings, professionals who intervened, courthouse employees, public officials, and others from throughout the community. Many of their lives had been previously touched by tragedy—accidental death, suicide, disability, terminal illness, violence, and victimization.
Sixth District Court Judge Mike Cuzzo shared a few words of encouragement. He has presided over most cases at the courthouse since he was elected a year ago, but he was not the judge in the court case that immediately preceded the shootings. “Prayer is an important part of my life,” Judge Cuzzo said. “I couldn’t do the job I do without prayer.” He encouraged those in attendance to continue praying for the community and all those affected by the tragedy, saying, “I believe that prayer can cause peace.”
One theme of the service was the need for community members to support everyone involved and to seek peace in a situation that has polarized some sectors of the community. Some were unhappy that Schlienz was required to face legal penalties as a result of relationships he had with minors. Schlienz, Scannell, and Thompson all live in Grand Marais and have family here.
One of the prayers read stated, “Lord God, when we are assaulted by the troubles of life and the deep waters of anger threaten to overwhelm us, do not let us sink. In your great compassion, hear us and help us.
“…Deliver us from anger’s power over us. Lead us out of bitter silence and hurtful words so that we may speak the truth in love. Heal every heart touched by anger or set on vengeance, and show us the way to honesty and reconciliation….”
Near the end of the service, Bethlehem Lutheran Pastor Mark Ditmanson said, “I want to encourage you to continue to pray and to love….”
The prayer of sending read, “God, our refuge and strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all our conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect.
“…We commend our neighborhoods and homes to your care, that they might be kept free from social strife and decay. Give us strength of purpose and concern for others, that we may create here a community of justice and peace where your will may be done….”
Numerous pastors representing the Cook County Ministerium participated in the service, which was followed by a coffee time for fellowship and support, hosted by the church.
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