Short Hills Interfaith Service Planned For 9/11

SHORT HILLS, NJ — Community Congregational Church in Short Hills will host an interfaith 9/11 prayer service in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

According to the church’s website, the event is planned for 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 11 at its building at 200 Hartshorn Drive in Short Hills.

Hosted by the members of Community Congregational Church, B’nai Israel in Millburn, and the Township of Millburn/Short Hills, the event will reportedly feature participants such as Mayor Ted Bourke, Board of Education Superintendent Christine Burton, Millburn Police Chief Brian Gilfedder, and Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts, as well as clergy from local houses of worship that represent the multiple faiths present in the local community.

According to organizers, the town-wide prayer service will include sacred readings on peace from the Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Christian faiths, words of reflection from religious and community leaders, a flag procession and moments of silence in honor of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks fifteen years ago.

Community Church’s Senior Minister The Rev. Johann Bosman says there will also be uplifting themes of hope and peace present throughout the service.

“We can all remember what we were doing that Tuesday, fifteen years ago, when life pretty much ground to a halt,” Bosman stated. “So during our prayer service you may be reminded of your personal associations and resolutions from the day, but collectively we will also pause to pay tribute to the selfless sacrifices of men and women in service of others in response to terror.”

There will be a public, hour-long brunch with refreshments following the service, organizers say. Learn more here.

Photo: Ludovic Bertron, Flickr Commons