Ribbons for a Reason

On Wednesday, July 1, 2015, two weeks after a mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, the congregation of Asbury Memorial UMC began hanging these orange ribbons on the fence. The ribbons represent the individuals who have been killed by gunfire in the Savannah community since January 1, 2015. Ribbons that are a lighter shade represent individuals who were under the age of 18. The ribbons remind us to pray for the family and friends of these individuals, to pray for policy makers to create common sense gun laws, and to pray for ourselves as we seek to make this a more peaceful world.

Will you pray the classic prayer (attributed to St. Francis of Assisi) with us?

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

Karl Graham & Randy Canady afix ribbons on the fence to represent those killed by gun violence this year in Savannah

Ribbons on the fence at Asbury Memorial along Henry Street just west of Waters Ave to represent those killed by gun violence this year in Savannah

Articles and Videos from Local Media (in reverse chronological order)

Savannah Morning News, September 29, 2016
... Ribbons for a Reason initiative honors Savannah gun-violence victim Kevin Reid, others

WTOC-TV, August 23, 2016
... Remembering those lost to gun violence

Savannah Morning News, December 8, 2015
... Savannah pastor Billy Hester to recognize newest gun violence victims Saturday

Savannah Morning News, December 8, 2015
... Savannah clergy join national voice to end gun violence

Savannah Morning News, July 5, 2015
... Savannah church members speak out against gun violence, promote firearm awareness

WJCL-TV, July 2, 2015
... Orange ribbons to represent gun violence victims

WSAV-TV, July 2. 2015
... Ribbons for a Reason: Asbury Memorial UMC calls for an end to gun violence, stricter gun laws

Savannah Morning News, July 2, 2015
... Asbury Memorial for 19 slain Savannahians heralds call to end gun violence 

Reading of the names of those killed at Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC, June 17, 2015. Those killed: Rev. Clementa Pinkney, Cynthia Hurd, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Daniel Simmons, Myra Thompson.
 

Sermon: "Words and Action", delivered Sunday, June 21, 2015, where Rev. Billy Hester discusses the issues with gun violence.
 

Sermon: "The Power of Showing Up," which was given by Rev. Billy Hester, Sunday, July 5, 2015, bringing out the importance of showing up for an enlightenment, a blessing or a cause, such as "Ribbons for a Cause."
 

Mom's Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, presented at Asbury Memorial UMC on Sunday, July 5, 2015, by Anne Allen Westbrook. For more information go to momsdemandaction.org.
 

Reading of the names of those killed by gun violence in Savannah/Chatham County since January 1, 2015, as of July 5, 2015.