wfn.org | American Church in London will mark anniversary of attacks

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Sept. 5, 2002   News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212)870-38037New York
10-71B{391}

NOTE: This report is a sidebar to UMNS story #390.

By Kathleen LaCamera*

LONDON (UMNS) - The U.S. Ambassador to Britain, William Farish, and Prince
Andrew, the Duke of York, are among those who have been invited by the
American Church in London to a "Service of Remembrance and Hope" on Sept.
11.

Members of other faith groups, as well as the general public, also have been
invited to attend the Christian service of commemoration at Methodist
Central Hall, near Westminster Abbey. The service will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Eastern time.

The Rev. Stephen Rettenmayer, a United Methodist and pastor of the church,
told United Methodist News Service that instead of a sermon he will be
giving three short reflections on the process of remembering, healing and
hope that has followed last year's terrorist attacks.

The 90-member Adoramus Orchestra and Choir, along with a contemporary
worship band, will participate in the service, which begins with a half-hour
of music that will include pieces by Aaron Copeland, Samuel Barber, Randall
Thompson and other American composers.  

"The service is primarily geared to be a time of reflection and prayer,"
said Rettenmayer, a clergy member of the Baltimore-Washington Annual
Conference.

He began work at the nondenominational American Church only two weeks before
the terrorist attacks. In the period immediately following Sept. 11, more
than 4,000 people came to the church for counseling and conversation, he
reported. 

Organizers hope the service will provide the opportunity not only to
remember the victims of the terrorist attacks but also to pray for peace and
celebrate God's redeeming love. David Hook, music director, admitted it has
been a challenge to "actually get the sensitivities right for this service."
He explained that the variety of music, images and words have been chosen in
order to meet the range of people's needs at the event. 

The American Church in London is part of a larger association of
international churches in Europe, the Middle East and Africa offering
English-speaking, American-style worship services. The London church has
members from more than 30 countries in its congregation. 

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*LaCamera is a United Methodist News Service correspondent based in England.

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United Methodist News Service
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