On this Ash Wednesday our services announced the biblical imperative to "repent and believe the gospel." In light of today's shootings, we repent from our participation in a culture of death; we acknowledge the harm we do to others, and we claim the power of the cross that breaks the cycle of violence and retaliation. We also grieve with the communities of Parkland and Coral Springs, Florida, in the deaths of seventeen persons and the wounding of many others on the campus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. A number of surrounding United Methodist Churches have students at this school, and our connection will support their healing ministry in the days ahead.