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Rogue Valley churches hold impromptu services for area residents stunned by the day's events Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Jeff Anderson, pastor of the Central Point Assembly of God Church, offers a silent prayer Tuesday at a First Presbyterian memorial service in Medford. Churches throughout the valley and nation held special prayer services after Tuesday's terrorist attacks. By DANI DODGE As the shock of the terrorist attacks sunk in, about 50 people joined together at the First Presbyterian Church of Medford Tuesday to pray for the nation's leaders, for friends and loved ones, and for themselves. Some were members of the church, others were people from nearby office buildings, and still others were folks who drove across town simply because they wanted to do something constructive rather than wring their hands at home. "I felt a strong desire to participate in prayers. That's what our nation needs right now," said Patricia Redler of Medford, who attended with her daughter Suzanne. "We need the direction of God in our lives right now." The Rev. Joyce DeGraaff put together the impromptu service in the downtown church after she heard the tragic news Tuesday morning. Sun filtered in softly through ornate stained-glass windows as three church ministers took turns sharing Bible passages, prayers and words of wisdom during the 45-minute service. "Our hearts are filled with much pain and our eyes with tears," said the Rev. Norm VanManen. "We turn to the Lord to find some meaning ... and some peace in our soul." Although massive organ pipes set the backdrop of the pulpit, no music was played or sung. "We thought people needed solemnity and silence," DeGraaff said. Other churches, including the Applegate and Ashland Christian fellowships, held noon prayer services. Ashland Christian Fellowship Pastor Mark Anderson read a Bible passage describing nations at war and earthquakes to 30 worshipers. Anderson said the passage indicates those with faith should not panic. "It gives us a sense of peace, leaving it up to the Lord," said Jean Hallinan, who attended the Ashland service. "I'm glad we have a president who prays." Pastor Jeff Anderson of the Central Point Assembly of God Church had cried and prayed with his family about the attacks in the morning, then attended prayers with 25 other pastors. As he was driving back from the ministers' meeting, he heard about the service at First Presbyterian. He had never attended a service there but said to himself, if a parking space was open, he would stop. There was a space right in front. "It's part of what the church should be doing - praying and helping people," he said. DeGraaff ended the service by saying she hopes that "people of God will seek justice and not revenge. ... "Go in peace." Reporter Tony Boom contributed to this report. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.