A Cross and Heart of Mercy & Compassion Continue to Serve as a Place of Mourning and Reflection

In February of this year, St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, placed a Cross and Heart of Mercy & Compassion on behalf of the community of Buffalo, Minnesota, following a mass shooting at Allina Health Clinic in Buffalo that occurred on February 9. As a result of the shooting, Lindsay Overbay, a Medical Assistant at the clinic, was killed, and three others were critically injured.

In the last week, St. Michael’s ministry team has been back to Buffalo twice to support the community through public events and a sunflower field planted to honor Lindsay Overbay, the Allina Clinic, and the City of Buffalo.

The heart marker placed in February still stands at the entrance to the Allina Clinic, and lawn signs were added last Tuesday. On Sunday evening, at a community event to support the clinic and community of Buffalo, the ministry team laughed, cried, and prayed with several of the nurses and staff members of the clinic. They did not know who had placed the marker until last Sunday but quickly associated LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota) and the lawn signs with the heart.

When the team placed the marker that Sunday in February in -40°F weather, they wondered if it would stand the test of the elements. It did, and it continues to stand the test of time. God has used it far beyond our intent, and now the little memorial is the first thing visitors pass as they enter a field of sunshine and hope.   

St. Michael’s ministry team received this message via social media:

"Thank you for doing what you do. Placing the cross at our clinic allowed us a place to mourn and reflect on what Lindsay meant to each of us. This cross has given so many an important place on their journey to healing. Thank you for your compassion; we felt it."

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DONATE – HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION, CROSSES FOR LOSSES