Prayers for Parkersburg

Just got this from Lesleigh in the Iowa Conference UCC office, and thought I'd pass it along:

First Congregational Church in Parkersburg is asking for prayer for their families, and their community. Many of the high school kids witnessed the horrific murder of Coach Thomas in the AP weight room. Also, Mark Becker's trial is beginning on Feb. 8 with the jury selection. They are asking for much needed prayer for the trial as it will be a very public trial – getting national media attention. Amazingly, they really, really are asking that their community and their churches would be used as a light for Christ for God's eternal kingdom (so cool)! They are a tired community, just exhausted from all the destruction, grief, tragedy, and sorrow but want Jesus to be uplifted and glorified through it all. They are asking for people to pray for them - their stamina, perseverance, and Christ-like witness. Please forward this e-mail on to your family and friends so hopefully as many people in our nation will be praying as possible.