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Prayer gatherings scheduled around valley By MELISSA MARTIN Thousands of Rogue Valley residents are expected to gather for prayer at lunchtime today after President George W. Bush's call for a national day to remember the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. Support for donation drives 'phenomenal' Southern Oregonians Thursday continued to pitch in with money and blood for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. A disaster relief fund drive at Lithia Toyota in Medford has passed $35,000 and should exceed $40,000 this week, said Brian May, general sales manager of KTVL-TV. The drive is supported by Lithia, KTVL, the Mail Tribune and Clear Channel radio stations, with proceeds directed through the American Red Cross to relief efforts. Cash and checks are being collected at Lithia. Giving has included everything from corporate donations of more than $1,000 to quarters and dollars from schoolchildren and homeless folks, May said. "It's the most phenomenal outpouring of support I've ever seen. People here have moved beyond frustration and anger and into action." In Grants Pass, United Way of Josephine County has established a fund at Bank of America to collect donations. Cash and check donations may be sent to United Way National Response Fund, c/o United Way of Josephine County, P.O. Box 1381, Grants Pass, OR 97528. In-person contributions may be made through next week at Bank of America at Sixth and L streets. The Red Cross mobile blood drive in Southern Oregon has exceeded goals everywhere it's gone, passing 400 units since the terrorist attacks, said Gayle Richards of Red Cross in Sutherlin. This was against a goal of 276 units. "It's been excellent," she said. "People are very willing to wait and sometimes to put up with a wait of two or three hours." Appointments are suggested. On Tuesday, the Red Cross took in 117 units in Medford and 96 in Roseburg. On Wednesday, it received 88 in Ashland and 100 in Bandon. Figures were not yet available for Thursday. Nationally, the Red Cross has sent more than 5,000 units to New York since the attack. President Bush declared today a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks. Government offices will keep normal hours. Ashland's Peace House plans a 7 p.m. vigil on the Plaza tonight as it has every evening since the attack, for people to "express compassion and grief for the lives lost and to seek a path of peace, rather than military vengeance," said Ali Fulcher of Peace House. The vigils continue through Monday. The largest of the prayer gatherings is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. today in the 900-seat sanctuary at First Church of the Nazarene, 1974 E. McAndrews, Medford. Fifteen ministers from a variety of denominations are scheduled to lead in prayer. The service is open to the public. "What's interesting about the proclamation is that President Bush asked employers to allow their workers time off during the lunch hour to attend the noon services," said organizer Perry Atkinson, manager of KDOV Radio, which is broadcasting the service live at 91.7 on the FM dial. The president's proclamation stated: "We mourn with those who have suffered great and disastrous loss. All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and senseless taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith." Some 15 pastors will help lead the noon prayer service, including Rick Booye of Trail Christian Fellowship; Alan Jackson, Westminster Presbyterian Church; Bob Brown, First Baptist Church; and Craig Rench of First Church of the Nazarene. "A three-fold cord is not easily broken," said Scott Simpson, pastor of EPA Center in Eagle Point, quoting King Solomon from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. "There is a unique strength in unity," he said. "Even something this terrible can be used in turn for the good of our nation." The Medford service is one of several scheduled in the Rogue Valley today. Here is a partial list - contact your church for services and congregations not listed. Noon: First Church of the Nazarene, 1974 E. McAndrews. Also sponsored by Southwest Church of the Nazarene, Sonshine Fellowship, Central Neighborhood Assembly, Valley Bible Fellowship (Phoenix), Living Waters, Rogue River Assembly (Rogue River), Bridgeview Community (Cave Junction), Medford Friends Church and Joy Christian Fellowship. Gazebo at Alba Park, Medford, sponsored by the Rogue Valley Interfaith Relief Network. Ashland First Presbyterian Church, corner of Siskiyou and Walker, also sponsored by Ashland's First United Methodist Church, Trinity Episcopal Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans a national memorial service in Salt Lake City, which will be broadcast via satellite to the Central Point Stake Center and the Eagle Point Chapel. Ashland Christian Fellowship, corner Oak and Hersey streets, in conjunction with the Church of Christ. Rivergate, 188 Garfield St., Ashland, also sponsored by Clay Street Community, Christian Missionary Alliance and First Baptist. North Medford High School senior Brittany Archer will lead a prayer at noon at the flagpole in front of the school, 1900 N. Keene-way Drive. 6:30 p.m. Rogue Valley Christian Church, 1440 S. Oakdale Ave., Medford (near Jefferson School). In addition, 115,000 people from 1,000 churches across the country - some linked by satellite - are expected to participate in a prayer vigil called America Prays, set from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Franklin Graham, Max Lucado and James Dobson will be among the leaders. To receive the downlink, go to www.INJOY.com/AmericaPrays. It can also be accessed through www.DeMossNewsPond.com on the Web. Reach reporter Melissa Martin at 776-4497, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.