For whom the bells toll…

The ringing of church bells — whether a hand bell, a tower bell or a carillon — often signifies a time of prayer and public mourning. The sound is even more impactful when rung simultaneously with other nearby congregations. In the coming weeks church bells will be tolling for the victims of gun violence across communities. Can you join us?

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Boulder, 1419 Pine St., Sunday, Dec. 4, Hand Bell litany 9:30am, Tower Bell at 10:30am. to honor all lives lost to gun violence.

First United Church of Arvada, 72nd and Simms (southwest corner), Wednesday, Dec 14, 9:30am, church columbarium 

St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Boulder, 2425 Colorado Ave.  Wednesday, Dec. 14, bells tolled beginning at 9:30am

The shooting at Sandy Hook elementary began at 9:30 am. In past years, churches with tower bells or carillons have chosen to toll their bells at that time. The ringing of the bells can be combined with the reading of names and the sharing of prayers, words, or sentiments.  

The tolling is even more powerful if several congregations in a general vicinity coordinate the ringing. In most circumstances, the bell is rung once for each life lost.

Some congregations choose to ring handbells during special services to honor victims of gun violence.

The bells also serve as a call to work toward a safer, more peaceful world. We invite you to join others at a congregation listed below or, wherever you may be, to hold those lost or suffering in your prayers while the bells toll. 

If you have access to a bell, please let us know if you are able to join others on Dec. 14 for this unified effort: cfcucolorado@gmail.com