Madison, Wisconsin, has found itself grappling with grief and reflection following the tragic shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School just days before Christmas. The incident claimed the life of 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara, leaving the community mourning but also drawing strength from their faith as the holiday season approaches.
Rev. Sarah Karlen, who is both the theater teacher at the school and pastor at City Church, expressed hope amid the sorrow, stating, "When people say, ‘Where is your God?’ He is more evident now than he’s ever been to us." This sentiment echoed throughout vigil services held shortly after the shooting, where community members gathered to honor Rubi and seek solace.
The shooting occurred on the school campus, executed by 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, who later took her own life. The reasons behind this tragic act remain under investigation, leaving many grappling with unanswered questions. Yet, the community has turned to faith as both a source of comfort and strength, with many attending church services decorated for the holidays.
At the fatal incident's immediate center, the church hosted Rubi's funeral just days after the shooting. Decorated with festive lights, the church became not just a place to mourn but also to reaffirm their faith amid despair. "I know beyond a shadow of a doubt each and every one of us here at City Church would say [God's presence] is there, especially during Christmas time," Karlen emphasized.
Barbara Wiers, the school’s director, spoke about how the staff was coping with the aftermath, asserting, "There may never be sense made out of this senseless tragedy... But God understands, and God is still here." Wiers noted the school remains closed as the staff works to repair the physical damages to create a safe environment for returning students.
Services included moments of reflection from the Book of Job, discussing how faith can coexist with suffering. "None of us on our staff are saying we understand why or how this happened. But we do understand God sees us differently," Wiers shared to much applause during these gatherings.
The community response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with churches around Madison quickly mobilizing to help those affected. Food drives and visits from chaplains and pastoral leaders have provided emotional support to struggling families. Rev. Kerri Parker, executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, affirmed, "Healing will come slowly, but they will not be left alone." This statement encapsulates the collective determination to face this heart-wrenching event together.
Rubi's uncle, Andy Remus, moved everyone present at her funeral when he shared, "For every person who says, ‘Where is your God now?’ There are 10,000 good, caring people in Madison." His poignant reflection highlighted the resilience and compassion of the community, urging continued faith and commitment to living out Christian values amid the tragedy.
Looking forward, the church plans to hold caroling and candlelight services on Christmas Eve, allowing the community to find comfort through familiar traditions. While they acknowledge the long road of recovery, leaders such as Chuck Moore, executive director of Impact Christian Schools, stressed the need to maintain hope and joy: "Even in the midst of awful, it’s still a time we can rejoice.”
Moore and Wiers both emphasized carrying the message of Jesus forward, stating, “We’re changed. Our family is changed. But God hasn’t changed. He didn’t move. He hasn’t been altered at all.” Their reassurance reflects the unwavering nature of faith, even when steeped in grief.
The message resounding through the Rev. Tom Flaherty’s final prayer at Rubi's service was full of promise – "There is heaven, don’t let your heart be troubled. This is not all there is, folks.” These powerful words encapsulate the community's longing for healing and peace, bridging the Christmas message of hope with the reality of their shared pain.
While the school community and the broader Madison area continue to navigate this complicated emotional terrain, the core message remains: God is with them, guiding them through adversity, especially as the Christmas season encourages reflection on love, loss, and the promise of joy amid sorrow.
