FUMC of Gainesville among churches marking 9/11 anniversary

GAINESVILLE - Churches all across the U.S. paused Sunday to remember 9/11 on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

First United Methodist Church of Gainesville was among them.

There, the congregation heard the Lord asked to "bless those who gather and remember this day. Bless those who seek healing after the hurt and grant us the wisdom we need this year and all that follow..."

Special guests at the church's morning worship services included Gainesville Fire Chief Jon Canada, Gainesville Police Chief Brian Kelly, Hall County Fire & EMS Chief David Kimbrell and Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic.

Scores of first responders, such as firefighters, police officers and EMTs, lost their lives in New York trying to save people from the Twin Towers.

"...heroes who sacrificed themselves for others," the congregation was told. "We give thanks for ordinary persons, who in a flash of fire and dust became extraordinary servants of God."

Last week, the church set up prayer stations and opened its sanctuary all day both Friday and Saturday to anyone who wished to come by and pause for a moment of prayer and reflection.