The United Methodist Church is asking all their churches worldwide to observe the Sabbath of Support. They are asking their churches to hang a burned piece of lumber by the front door of the church for worshippers to see as they arrive, as a symbol to help people think about suffering and solidarity. Special prayers and worship services will be held across South Carolina, and many congregations will hang a piece of charred lumber by their door. The plan asks for five or more persons from one congregation to stand in vigil on the property of another house of worship in solidarity and in calling for bridges that must be built. The match-ups of religious communities is being done by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, the American Jewish Committee and the Black United Clergy for Action.
Pierce County is among partners in the Sabbath of Support.
Judy Bennett from the Virginia Council said observances there will include special offerings, recruiting volunteers for reconstruction work later this summer, and written expression of concern to the affected churches. Most denominational judicatory executives and all major Jewish organizations will participate. Many, many denominational and ecumenical groups have responded in some way to the hate attacks on houses of worship.