Greenock church to host prayer service for 9/11 anniversary
Area residents will reflect on their experiences on Sept. 11, 2001.
For the MVI
A prayer service on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 will be held to remember, honor and hope at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Greenock United Methodist Church, 1213 Greenock Buena Vista Road, Elizabeth Township.
“We will gather to remember those whose lives were taken, to honor those who responded with extraordinary courage, to pray for all who continue to carry grief and trauma and to ask for God’s grace to be peacemakers in the world today,” said Pastor Scott Lawrence.
First responders, military members, and families of military, civic, service and youth groups are invited to share this time to reflect on their experiences following the terrorist attacks at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville in 2001.
The service will open with Lee Alverson’s original piano music accompanying a short video recapping the day’s events.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 99, in a silent procession, will bring in the American colors. U.S. Navy Aviation Ordinance First Class Petty Officer Brandon Brooks will carry a new U.S. flag to the altar rail.
Scriptures will be read by parishioner Dave Obley, president and safety officer for Port Vue Vigilant Hose Co. No. 1, and retired U.S. Air Force T. Sgt. Dan Ellingsen, who served 21 years.
Donna Alverson, the church’s music director, will sing “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”
Dr. Marilyn Thomas will discuss the significance of the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which played on the radio on 9/11 as she left as head of the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon University. The Elizabeth Township resident wrote about her memory that day in her collection of “Spiritual Moments.”
Also reflecting on their experiences on Sept. 11, 2001 will be:
• Debbie Popp Gilbert, a former managing editor with Observer Publications reporting on the local impact of the attacks.
• Brandon Hale, Vigilant Hose Co. No. 1 chief, who will represent first responders’ reactions.
• U.S. Army Engineer Officer Capt. Keith Krass, who enlisted after seeing the attacks as a teenager.
• Lois Sheasley will reflect on her thoughts of the future as she held her newborn granddaughter.
For more information, call 412-8078452 or 412-751-7726.
