Local residents turn to churches for prayer and comfort

Many people across the country turned to their churches to help them deal with the tragedy. <br><br>KOTV visited local churches hosting prayer services Tuesday night. And as News on Six reporter Heather

Wednesday, September 12th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Many people across the country turned to their churches to help them deal with the tragedy.

KOTV visited local churches hosting prayer services Tuesday night. And as News on Six reporter Heather Brooker reports, many people found comfort in a familiar place. With heads bowed and eyes closed, people all over Tulsa prayed for those effected by the tragedies on the east coast. Moments of silence and prayer started early Tuesday morning.

An associate pastor at St James United Methodist Church, "We saw it on television this morning and said we need to do something about this." So pastors, elders and parishioners began opening the doors and lighting candles in churches all over the city. Mark McAdow with Asbury United Methodist Church, "Once we heard the news, we gathered our staff for a time of prayer. And then tried to get the word out that other folks could come join us in prayer today."

And as the sun started to go down on this unforgettable day, churches once again welcomed people for prayer. Sherri Finik doesn't even attend All Soul's Unitarian Church, but was compelled to join other believers in prayer. "It just seemed important to be with friends. It seemed important to join together and hear uplifting messages. And reassurances of god's love." Rev Marlin Lavanhar with All Soul's "I think that this is a moment when we rise above our differences. political differences, religious differences, and we come together just as human beings."

As the choir sang, many people listened intently to the message, not so much the message of the preacher or minister, but the message their own heart was telling them. Rev Lavanhar, "A reminder that people are good and care about each other. and that we'll get through all of this.â€

Many churches that weren't open Tuesday were open Wednesday for services.â€