Erik Thone is a seminary student at Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, who was previously a youth director at People of Faith Lutheran Church in Orlando. Below is his reflection on the anniversary of the Pulse Shooting:
I was in Orlando June 12, 2016. Pulse nightclub was a mile from where I was staying. I drove across Orange Avenue on my way to preach that morning at People of Faith Lutheran Church. There was more to say that morning than I was able to. I heard the news while driving to church. So much was still unclear. I wish I had been able to proclaim the Gospel more directly to the tragedy. Having expressed this sentiment to my preaching professor, she invited me to prepare and preach the sermon I wish I’d shared for class. That sermon as well as my memory and reflections on the tragedy make up the post below.
