ICC Note: As previously reported, a masked gunman attacked Tennessee’s Burnette Chapel Church of Christ over the weekend, killing one and wounding several others, including the pastor and his wife. In its first service since the shooting, congregants gathered together on Wednesday for an emotional service. Although the church’s pastor is still recovering from his injuries, the church plans to continue with services as scheduled this upcoming Sunday.
By James Macintyre
09/28/2017 United States (Christian Today) – The Tennessee church where one woman was killed and seven others wounded during a shooting on Sunday held its first service since the incident last night, with an emotional rendition of the hymn It Is Well With My Soul.
With preparations taking place for tomorrow’s funeral for the victim, Melanie Crow, and five congregants remaining in hospital including the church’s minister Joey Spann, the faithful flooded into the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ for its usual Wednesday evening service.
‘We want to claim the promise that if you’re for us, no one can be against us,’ prayed Scott Sages, Lipscomb University’s Vice President for church services, simultaneously quoting scripture, according to USA Today.
‘You, who did not spare your own son, but sent him into the world.’
Sages continued: ‘We confess that the words of Jesus, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken us?” have been words we’ve spoken over the last few days. We pray, Lord, that you would remind us of your presence.’
As the congregation gathered inside the church, a Metro police officer and members of the Nashville Fire Department guarded outside, USA Today reported.
Nashville fire assistant Walker Demonbreun, who lives across the street from the church, described hearing about the shooting on Sunday. ‘I thought it was my wife and my grandkids,’ he said.
