Message from Bishop Poulson on Holland Hall
Dear Friends in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma,
Today we have had news of a terrible tragedy affecting the Holland Hall school community in Tulsa. Last night, a car accident took the lives of two upper school students. A third student is in critical condition. I have been in contact with Head of School JP Culley, Upper School Chaplain the Reverend Sarah Smith, retired Chaplain the Reverend Art Scrutchins and others to assure them of our love, prayers, and support in any ways they need. Upper School classes are cancelled today, with multiple chaplains and counselors assisting the students.
Please join me in praying for those who are suffering so greatly:
Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: Deal graciously with the Holland Hall community in their grief. Surround them with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This is the message I sent to the Holland Hall community for a special chapel service today.
Dear Members of the Holland Hall Community,
Words of comfort are hard to find in a time of such unimaginable shock and grief. What I want to share with you is this. I know Holland Hall to be a community of amazing love and support. In earlier times of tragedy and challenge, I have marveled at how you have come together to hold up those who are falling down, and bring comfort to the hurting, not just for a few days, but for months and even years. You come from many different faith backgrounds, but you share a deep and holy bond with each other that can never be shaken. Somehow, you will walk this difficult path together, leaving no one behind, as you always do.
This is a time not only to lean on fellow students, faculty, administration, chaplains and counselors, but also on our God. At the most difficult moments, we trust in God’s promises that have stood the test of time. We believe that we have a good Shepherd who will never leave us, in life or death. As the 23rd psalm says, “yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
My prayers and support and those of the entire Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma are with you.
Faithfully,
Bishop Poulson Reed
