Remembering 9/11 -- then and now

This summer, United Methodist Council of Bishops encouraged congregations to set aside Sunday, Sept. 8, as a day of remembrance, and to proclaim September "United Methodist Open House Month." The request for the bishops' action came from the Igniting Ministry staff at United Methodist Communications. Many congregations will offer their facilities as community gathering places to remember the terrorist attacks and to pray for wisdom, comfort, healing, peace and recovery.

The HUM News asked churches to share some of the ways they will be remembering 9-11. We could not print them all, but following, is a sampling of those activities -- a sampling of the numerous prayers that will be offered for peace and healing -- a sampling of the spiritual unity and concern God's people have for their communities, the nation and the world.

The Michiana District's Mission Celebration Committee (MCC) is sponsoring a banquet at Trinity UMC in Elkhart. Nina Martin, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) representative who oversaw the relief work in New York City after the 9-11 tragedy will be the keynote speaker.
The Ministerial Assoc. in Winchester is planning a 9/11 remembrance. At 9:15 a.m. All churches will ring their bells five minutes for each crash at the time the crashes took place. They will meet around the town square and move from corner to corner, praying in remembrance of each of the four crashes. Rev. Dave Hummel
United we stand -- a Patriotic Worship Experience is set for Sept. 11 at Selma UMC, featuring a patriotic children's musical, men's gospel choir, a special 9/11 presentation and candlelight service. Rev. Mark Ellcessor

Seminary UMC-Roanoke, is planning a service in coordination with other local churches at 7 p.m., Sept. 11. We plan to invite our local emergency workers (fire, police and EMT) to recognize them as we memorialize those who died 9/11. The other two UMCs in the area are Pleasant Chapel and Zion. Kaye Patton, Senior Pastor Cooperative Parish of Roanoke
St. Matthew's UMC in Columbia City is doing a six-week midweek prayer and share group using Jim Cymbala's book God's Grace From Ground Zero. Rev. Denise Davault
Covenant UMC -- Fort Wayne, will be having a "Service of Remembrance" that Wednesday at 7 p.m. which will include candle lighting. Rev. Steve Conner
Whiting UMC is helping to plan an ecumenical memorial service for Sept. 11. There will be a candlelight service at the Pavilion in Whiting Park. Representatives from local congregations will participate as well as a community choir and members of police and fire agencies. Rev. Kevin Miller
Some local congregations are joining together Sept. 11 in Winamac to hold an "American Hero Day." A rally will be held at the town park with music from churches and individuals in the area to provide public recognition of and prayer for local fire and law enforcement personnel, with a fireworks finale. Rev. Steve Loft
The Pennville UMC will have a dinner for the local firefighters, police and rescue workers Sept. 11 with a prayer service following. The public is invited to the prayer/memorial service. Rev. Nancy Richmond
Brushwood UMC, north of Rensselaer is planning a special repentance/healing service in commemoration of 9/11 during regular worship service, Sept. 15. Rev. Dennis L. Ticen, Brushwood UMC
Frankton First UM Church is participating in a community-wide celebration on 9/11/02. All Frankton churches will join together in honoring police and firefighters. Pastor Michael Heath
Logansport Main Street UMC will hold service around "God's hand in the aftermath." The congregation will have opportunity to testify to how they've seen God's hand in the aftermath of the attacks. There will also be a series of inspirational stories from those at ground zero, and how they experienced God in the midst of tragedy. Rev. Mark Berg
Kokomo, St. Luke's will be focusing on remembering on Sept. 8 and will be doing a short prayer service Sept. 11 at our Wonderful Wednesday program. Rev. Ron VerLee

The United Methodist Board of Discipleship has developed services of remembrance, prayer resources, and hymns and music for commemorating Sept. 11. All are available at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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