Remembering September 11

This year presents congregations with a unique opportunity: to observe on a Sunday the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.  I suspect most churches will want to acknowledge this overlap, and there are many ways in which to go about it.

For example, my own congregation will be having its second annual joint service with our Methodist brothers and sisters across the street.  This service was a great way to both kick-off the start of the new program year (choirs resume, worship schedules change, and children’s education programs begin) and to lift up the ELCA’s full communion agreement with the United Methodist Church.  This year, however, allows both of our congregations to celebrate not only our unity but our solidarity with the victims of the September 11 attacks with a time of remembrance and a tolling of our church bell 10 times, representing the ten years that have passed since that event.

Other congregations might consider using their entire Sunday service to observe the day’s significance.  A service of healing might be especially meaningful.  A service of morning prayer would also be appropriate—those congregations wanting a more explicit remembrance of September 11 might decide that this service, with the absence of Holy Communion, may be a better option than a typical Sunday morning service.

A Saturday evening vespers or compline service may also appeal to some congregations wishing to formally remember September 11 but maintain the usual content of their Sunday morning services.  Alternatively, Saturday evening could also be set apart as a time for a simple prayer vigil rather than a formal service—worshipers could spend the time in silent prayer.

Similarly, congregations might also consider designating a room for prayer throughout the week prior to 9/11, inviting worshipers to spend time in the room in silent prayer, coming and going as their schedules permit.  Candles, incense, instrumental music, a makeshift altar, etc. could all be employed to establish a contemplative mood for the space.

All of these ideas could be easily expanded and made more ecumenical.  Local ministerial associations in your community could be called upon to host more large scale versions of these services with invitations extended to the entire community to participate.

There are a multitude of possibilities.  Pastoral need and feasibility should be considered in your particular context for implementing these or other ideas.  If you have other suggestions for ways of observing September 11 in worship, please post them!