Lower Susquehanna Synod

Working for Peace
in a Time of Violence

Resources to support prayer, pastoral care, faithful public witness, emergency response, and the church’s ongoing work of reconciliation.

Working for Peace

When violence, tragedy, division, or fear touches our communities, the church is called to be present.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love our neighbors, care for those who are hurting, seek justice, and work for peace and reconciliation. Sometimes that happens in response to a crisis. Other times, it happens through the quieter, ongoing work of building relationships, having faithful conversations, caring for our neighbors, and helping our communities become places where all people can flourish.

This page brings together resources for pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and congregations who are wondering:

How can we respond faithfully?
Whether your community is responding to an act of violence, supporting people who are grieving or afraid, navigating difficult conversations, preparing for emergencies, or looking for ways to strengthen relationships before a crisis occurs, you don’t have to begin from scratch.

Use the resources below to find a place to begin.

When something has happened

These resources can help leaders care for people, communicate thoughtfully, respond to trauma, connect with community partners, and make decisions about what comes next.

PDF Playbook

Crisis Playbook by Common Ground

This playbook is for leaders to respond thoughtfully and effectively in moments of crisis. The examples show how communities have responded to some of the most serious cases. These strategies are valid in crises large and small, whether garnering national attention or straining the fabric of daily life. When people feel shaken and lost, leaders can chart a path forward, not just through the immediate crisis, but toward deeper trust and resilience on the other side.

National Center

National Mass Violence Center

The center provides evidence-based information and resources that civic leaders, mental health professionals, journalists, policy makers, victim service professionals, and communities can use to prepare for and respond to mass violence.

Support Network

Reach Out Resource Hub

The Resource Hub is a national network providing supportive resources for bystanders, friends, loved ones, survivors, victims, and people most at risk for committing acts of targeted and hate-fueled violence.

Conversation Guides

Helping your congregation talk about hard things

Congregations can be places where people with different experiences and perspectives gather around a shared identity in Christ. Use these resources for adult forums, council conversations, small groups, or other gatherings where your congregation wants to practice listening and faithful conversation.

Caring for people who are hurting

These resources offer support for pastoral care, trauma response, and accompanying individuals and communities following violence.

Get Help Now

Trauma-response, pastoral-care, and community-violence resources for ministry leaders responding to urgent situations.

Trauma Response Toolkit↗

ELCA Social Message on Community Violence↗

A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice↗

Pastors Responding to Public Trauma↗

Pastoral Crisis Intervention↗

Turning prayer into action

Opportunities to advocate, prepare, volunteer, and support communities affected by violence and disaster.

LAMPa Action Alert on Gun Violence↗

Volunteer or Donate Through National VOAD↗

Community Emergency Response Team Training↗

York County CERT↗

Disaster giving tip: Financial gifts to recognized relief organizations are generally the fastest and most flexible way to support disaster response.

Prayer & Liturgy Resources

Worship resources, litanies, theological reflection, and prayers for congregations responding to violence.

Worship Resource: Gun Violence Litany↗

Gun Violence and Christian Witness↗

The Great Litany and the Supplication↗

Litany Lamenting Gun Violence↗

Faith and Civic Life

Faithful public life calls Christians to love their neighbors, reject violence, participate constructively in civic life, and work toward the well-being of all.

Use this resource for congregational study, facilitated conversation, adult forums, and reflection on Christian public witness.

Read Faith and Civic Life Resource ↗

Called to Be Peacemakers

Peace-making is holy and active work. May our congregations become signs of hope by proclaiming peace with courage, resisting violence with love, accompanying those who have been harmed, and participating in God’s work of reconciliation.