Remembering September 11th at Your Church

September 11th falls on a Monday this year, affording your church the opportunity to help heal and strengthen your community ahead of the 16th anniversary. As we pause to remember

the tragedy, heroism, and consequences of that day, we’ve gathered a few resources to help you do the same in your church services.

Read a quote or verse and hold a moment of silence for the victims and their families.

QUOTES:

• “On that terrible day, a nation became a neighborhood, all Americans became New Yorkers.” -NYC Governor George Pataki
• “Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.’” 
  – President George W. Bush on Sept. 11, 2001.

Share a story of your experience on September 11th, or ask a member of the congregation to share their story.

Print out a prayer and lead the congregation in praying for all those affected by the attacks. Pray for the victims, families, first responders and government officials who are mourning on this day. Consider following a prayer like the one listed below:

A Prayer for the Anniversary of 9/11 by Rev. Jeremy Pridgeon

After September 11th, we experienced an amazing sense of unity and saw countless acts of kindness and selflessness. Provide opportunities for your congregation to reach out and serve your community as a way to carry on the sense of hope and unity.

Many people will be looking for community on this day, so you may want to consider holding a separate service where people can come together and remember. The service can include worship, patriotic songs, a time of silence, prayer for our nation and a message of hope.

If you’re looking for resources for your services, we recommend patriotic banners and patriotic bulletins .

Whatever you do to commemorate the 16th anniversary of September 11th, may it be a time of renewed hope and community.