An ecumenical service at People's United Methodist Church in Greenville drew more than 100 people as Pastor Jan Rhenow urged attendees to "reach out to those we are closest to and let them know of how deep our love is." While Rhenow said that some may feel helpless during times of tragedy, "We have some of the most powerful tools given to us - that of prayer, love for each other and a commitment to God."

Also participating in the service were Rev. David Churchill, pastor of the First Pentecostal Church and Rev. Lindy Holt, pastor of the Union Evangelical Church. Rev. Holt also hosted a noon ceremony at her own church earlier in the day.

At Dover-Foxcroft, those who practiced various faiths in that community also joined together at the Congregational Church to pray and express their feelings.

Rev. Neal Castonguay of the United Methodist Church, who attended with his congregation at Friday's service, said the ministry was represented by followers of the Roman Catholic Church, the Baptist Church, the Living Word Assembly of God and those of the Congregational Church.

Clergy representing each faith read scripture and prayed and members of the congregation rose to express their sentiments wrought by the terrible destruction and loss of life.

"We are confronted so many times by how much evil we can do to each other," Rev. Castonguay said after the services. "We also are seeing the best in people and how we can unite to take care of others. That is so much more powerful."

In Sangerville, members of the Grace Bible Church located on Douty Hill Road met for their regular Wednesday Dare to Care session during which many prayed and talked of their feelings about the terrible scene being played out in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Pastor David Kelly, who has been at the pulpit of the Grace Bible Church for about 12 years, said that during Sunday's service he spoke from the Book of Habakkul which addresses the questions posed by a prophet who asked, "Will you let violence continue and why don't you do something?" Pastor Kelly said, "God answers back, and his answers are very revealing."

Elsewhere, the Guilford Methodist Church observed prayer services on the night of the tragedies, and the church sanctuary is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. for those who wish to pray and find comfort.

And in Dexter, the First Baptist Church held an evening service of prayer and remembrance last Wednesday. Teaching Pastor Rev. John Brennan said many in his congregation have lived through the Vietnam and Korean wars as well as World War II. He characterized the evening as "very somber."

He said Sunday's service dealt with encouragement that can be gleaned from the scriptures. Rev. Brennan also said, "We spoke of Jesus's command to love thy enemy and the proper role of government to help defend against evil."