Prayer does not mean much when we undertake it as only an attempt to influence God, or as a search for a spiritual fallout shelter, or as an offering of comfort in stress-filled times.  Prayer is the act by which we divest ourselves of all false belongings and become free to belong to God and God alone. - Henri Nouwen

Man opened fire outside a Michigan church before staff fatally shot him

A man who opened fire outside a Michigan church filled with worshippers on Sunday was struck by a vehicle and then fatally shot by security staff who averted a potential mass shooting, police said. Churchgoers attending a morning service at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne spotted the gunman driving recklessly and then saw him exit his car wearing a tactical vest and carrying a rifle and a handgun, police Chief Ryan Strong said at an evening news conference. The man began firing as he approached the church, striking one person in the leg. "A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly," Strong told reporters. "At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing the fatal wounds." The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. in Wayne, a city of about 17,000 people located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Detroit. 

God, we are grateful for the safety of this congregation, and pray for the church member who was struck with a bullet in their leg - for the medical team in charge of their care, we pray for your guiding hand. We pray for this community moving forward, for it might be difficult for many to return into this building given the traumatic event they just lived through. We offer our gratitude to those who bravely stepped up to restrain someone intent on harm. And, Lord, we lament the loss of life and the violence and hatred that filled the heart of this individual who wanted to harm so many. Help us, Lord. 

Canada wildfire: Unstoppable fires and record heat trigger Yukon's biggest evacuation alert of the year 

Nearly 200 homes and more than 100 campsites in Yukon are under evacuation alert as out-of-control wildfires continue to spread, fueled by an unusually early and intense heat wave. Yukon fire officials report that over 32 wildfires are currently active across the territory, with more than 1,680 hectares burned since the start of the week. Twelve fires have been extinguished, but multiple blazes remain out of control. The Quebec Creek wildfire, burning near West Dawson, has triggered the largest evacuation alert so far this season. The Yukon Emergency Coordination Centre says the fire, which was caused by lightning, has scorched approximately 300 hectares of forest. The alert affects 100 households and 102 campsites in the area. Environment Canada has warned that a persistent ridge of high pressure is driving temperatures to 28°C (82°F) in parts of the territory, nearly 10 degrees above seasonal norms. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect, increasing the risk of new fires sparked by lightning. The unusually early wildfire activity mirrors patterns seen across Canada. As of mid-June, over 3.8 million hectares have burned nationwide in 2025, more than four times the historical average for this point in the season. 

For the 200 homes and 100+ campsites in the Yukon who have been forced into fleeing due to these raging fires, we pray for their safety, we pray for a place to go, we pray for communities that will now be welcoming them. Each year around this time, Lord, we pray and pray for the Canadian lands that are being devastated by these fires that rage out of control, getting bigger, hotter, and more destructive by the year. Pierce the hearts of those who commit resources to forest management, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness, and give them clarity to commit to the work of Canadians living in harmony with the natural world with an even greater vigor than ever before.

President Trump talks of regime change in Iran; Iran vows retaliation

President Trump raised the prospect of regime change in Iran and defended his claim that its nuclear enrichment sites had been “totally obliterated” by US strikes over the weekend, insisting it was an accurate term even as a US damage assessment was still underway. General Dan Caine, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, said earlier it was not clear whether Iran retained some nuclear capability and he stopped short of using the same language. UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi said: “At this time, no one, including the [International Atomic Energy Agency], is in a position to assess the underground damage at Fordow.” Meanwhile, unprecedented attacks continued to send shockwaves through the Middle East and further afield. Airlines sought to help thousands of travellers stranded in the region while countries arranged repatriation flights for citizens. The US Department of Homeland Security issued a terrorism bulletin on Sunday warning of cyber attacks and violence in the US, including antisemitic hate crimes.

Prince of Peace, time and again, it seems as though the responses to complex political problems are violence. This is true of the US, Israel, Iran, and the world over. Help us find a new way, Lord - a way and a world free of 30,000lb bombs, nuclear armament, and grand displays of military might. Your way is the way of the cross, the way of humility. May we do likewise. 

At least 22 killed in Syria church bombing attack, dozens wounded

A suicide bomber has carried out an attack inside a packed church in Syria’s capital, killing at least 22 people and wounding dozens more, according to state media. The explosion in Dweil’a on the outskirts of Damascus took place as people were praying during mass inside the Mar Elias Church on Sunday. No group immediately claimed responsibility, but the Syrian Interior Ministry said a fighter from the ISIL (ISIS) group entered the church and fired at the people there before detonating himself with an explosives vest, echoing some witness testimonies. The death toll reported was a preliminary one. “Rescue teams from the Syria Civil Defense continue to recover bodies from the scene,” a statement on Telegram said on Sunday. Official state agency SANA said that at least 63 others were wounded. Some local media reported that children were among the casualties.

Lord, giver of life and comforter to all who mourn, we pray with the church all over the world as we lament, as we are brought to anger, as we cry, as we are devastated by this senseless, hate-filled violence. We pray for your comforting embrace of the Syrian church, and this particular congregation, as they bury their dead, mourn, and attempt to piece their lives back together. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Disability and Accessibility Survey

Every church has people with disabilities in it. The question is not if they are there. The question is whether or not people with disabilities are experiencing belonging. Thrive has created a tool for church leaders to invite your congregation to complete a disability and accessibility survey and help you understand how your church is doing. Request your church-specific survey link to get started. 

Finding Hope in Hospitality 

A recent online gathering of CRC congregants and ministry leaders offered an opportunity to reflect on what it means to extend a welcome in the name of Christ. Hosted by Thrive, World Renew, and the Centre for Public Dialogue in partnership with Exodus World Service, the event explored faithful responses to refugee resettlement, labor migration, and biblical hospitality. Participants were invited to consider how their congregations might deepen their engagement with newcomers in their communities. Read the story here.