By Clyde Noel
Today sirens will wail, and bells will toll, amid periods of silence, patriotic songs and people praying. The tragic events of last Sept. 11, focused the nation’s attention more than ever on the role of religion. Today the anniversary of our losses is marked with different ceremonies in local churches.
“We come together as the human family, praying for peace and healing and the end of terrorism,” said Sister Rosheen Glennon C.S.J., pastoral associate at St. Nicholas Parish.
St. Nicholas will have a Mass at 7:30 p.m., today, to remember, to hope and to pray for the peace of God to touch our country and the entire world.
“We need to put emphasis on the hope aspect rather than the horror or the destruction,” said Mark Bollwinkel, Los Altos United Methodist Church pastor. There is something redemptive to this.”
The sanctuary at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., will be open from 6:30 a.m. for silent meditation and reflection. At 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, the Chancel Choir and organist Larry Crummer will join pastors in a service of music and messages for remembrance.
Congregation Beth Am will join an early morning vigil at All Saints Episcopal Church, 555 Waverly St., Palo Alto, 5:30-7:45 a.m. Rabbi Charles Briskin of Beth Am and Rabbis Sheldon Lewis and Sarah Graff of Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto will be in attendance at 6:43 a.m., the moment American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
Noon to 1 p.m., Rabbi Susan Lippe will lead a study session at Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills, in honor of heroes, victims, survivors, their families and our nation.
At noon, First Baptist Church of Los Altos, 625 Magdalena Ave., school members and staff will observe a time of remembrance at the flagpole with representatives from the fire and police departments, airlines and military.
Foothills Congregational Church, 461 Orange Ave., Los Altos, will open 1-7 p.m., today, for personal prayers, meditation and reflection.
Contact the church of your preference for specific times.
