I’m writing with some sad news that hits very close to home for our church. A young man who grew up at Park, Tekle Sundberg, was shot and killed by Minneapolis police in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 14, while experiencing a mental health crisis. Tekle is the twenty-year-old son of Mark and Cindy Sundberg. I know that many of you worshipped with the Sundberg family for years.
My heart breaks for them and the immeasurable grief and sadness they are now having to carry. I’ve decided not to preach the sermon I’d planned for Sunday but instead use that 20-25 minutes for a special communal prayer vigil to remember Tekle, pray for the Sundberg family, and continue to ask God for justice and healing in our broken and violent world. I hope you will join us on Sunday to pray as a community in this time of deep sadness and loss. And when you hit your knees tonight (and in the days to come), please pray for the Sundberg family.
In addition, there is a Respect for Life March & Rally in Honor of Tekle tomorrow (Saturday, June 14). Here is the link with the information.
Our Congregational Care Team has been in contact with the Sundbergs, and many others have already reached out to them as well. Let’s continue to offer our love and support. As a community that follows the way of Christ, we bear one another’s burdens, because that’s the only way any of us can hold up under the weight.
Much love to you all,
Gregg
