In the past few weeks our attention has been drawn to domestic violence against women and children because of the highly visible cases of professional football player perpetrators, but every day in our own community, women, men, and children suffer verbal and physical abuse and often endure it in silence. It is a painful topic to discuss, particularly for those who have been victims. We do so this morning with the hope that by shinning the light of truth and by bringing our compassion and the principles of our faith to this problem, we can help those who are in abusive situations.  In addition to our worship service this morning,  there will be a forum in our community room after each service to learn more about this problem in our community, how to get help, and the what each of us can do to help those who are the victims of violence.