Christmas is a significant occasion for Christians globally, marking the celebration of Jesus’s birth. In Madison, Wisconsin, the faith community at Abundant Life Christian School is continuing its cherished holiday customs just days after experiencing a tragic school shooting. This event has raised questions about the presence of God during difficult times, leading Reverend Sarah Karlen of City Church to affirm the belief that God is closer now than ever. “When people ask, ‘Where is your God?’ He is especially evident in our midst,” she stated, reflecting on the significance of the names “Prince of Peace” and “God with us” during this holiday season.
Karlen, who serves as both a pastor and the theater teacher at the school founded by City Church in the late 1970s, presided over a funeral for 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara, a victim of the shooting. The tragic incident also claimed the life of a teacher and injured several others. In a space adorned with holiday decorations where students had recently performed a Christmas concert, community members gathered to remember and honor Vergara.
“This time of year, when we speak about ‘Emmanuel, God with us,’ resonates deeply,” Karlen shared, emphasizing that the community’s understanding of God’s presence has deepened amid their grief. The church, which boasts over 1,200 members, also held a vigil service a few days later, filled with lights and a Nativity scene.
Pastors drew on biblical texts, notably the Book of Job, to help address the struggle of reconciling faith with the occurrence of suffering and tragedy. They encouraged attendees to remain firm in their belief in God’s presence during their sorrow, despite local social media commentary questioning their faith. Karlen responded passionately to these remarks and reassured the community of God’s unwavering presence in their lives.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, focusing on the motivations of 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, who tragically took her own life following the attack. While school shootings have become alarmingly common in the U.S., the overwhelming majority involve male perpetrators. Meanwhile, Barbara Wiers, the school’s director for elementary education, mentioned that faith is aiding families and educators in coping with the uncertainties surrounding the incident.
“There may never be a clear answer to this senseless act, but God is there, and God continues to be with us,” Wiers stated, highlighting the importance of divine judgment over human understanding as the community seeks healing. To assist with this healing, the school has temporarily closed, allowing staff to make necessary repairs and ensuring a supportive environment upon students’ return. Updated safety protocols are also being evaluated.
Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, City Church is set to host caroling and candlelight services, aiming to provide comfort through established traditions. “We acknowledge that the journey ahead will be long, but it begins with gathering in God’s presence, sharing hugs, singing, and praying together,” Karlen expressed.
The broader Madison community and affiliated churches have united in support, with alumni organizing food drives and ministries sending chaplains to assist those affected. “Healing will be gradual, but they won’t be left to navigate this alone,” remarked Reverend Kerri Parker of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, which encompasses a vast network of member churches throughout the state.
During the funeral, Vergara’s uncle, Andy Remus, emphasized the family’s lack of resentment towards those involved, encouraging the continuation of the school’s mission rooted in Christian teachings. He spoke passionately about the strength of community, asserting that for every negative voice questioning God’s presence, there are countless good-hearted individuals supporting one another in Madison.
Abundant Life Christian School is affiliated with Impact Christian Schools, an organization that embraces students from varied backgrounds and beliefs. Executive director Chuck Moore expressed hope that this tragic incident would not forever overshadow the community’s Christmas celebrations. “Even in the midst of devastation, we can find reasons to rejoice and focus on the essence of Christ,” he stated.
Teachers at the school have emphasized discussions about faith at all times and in every subject, striving to instill these values into the curriculum. This approach will persist when students return in January. Wiers emphasized that while the community has been changed by the events, God remains constant and unwavering. “He is good, faithful, and true, even as we navigate our heartbreak,” she concluded.
In a closing prayer at the funeral, lead pastor Tom Flaherty urged attendees to hold onto God’s promises of comfort and eternal life amidst their sorrow. “There is a heaven; don’t be troubled by your hearts. This isn’t the end,” Flaherty reassured the grieving community, encouraging them to find solace in their faith.
