CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at Emanuel Lutheran Church, West Warwick, R.I., today at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for those who died at a nightclub fire last week in West Warwick. Emanuel is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"Emanuel Lutheran Church is just a few blocks away from the nightclub," said the Rev. Dennis P. Kohl, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Warwick, R.I. "No family members of the church died in the nightclub fire, but some members had friends who did," said Kohl.
"As bodies are being identified, counseling is being provided for family members," Kohl said. The families and friends of the fire's victims are gathering at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick. A family center has been organized there, he said.
There is also strong support from the ecumenical community, as "we are working together with families to assess their spiritual needs," he said.
Along with other ministers, Kohl and the Rev. Dana K. Izzo, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, have been providing pastoral counseling for the West Warwick community.
"What was the most incredible to me was the way people pulled together when there was need," said Izzo.
"The Red Cross was turning away volunteers because there were too many. There were cell phones donated so families could keep in touch. There were teddy bears for everyone. There was an incredible amount of food and drink, although you had to remind some dazed people to drink," she said.
"People have asked how you cope with such tragedy," Izzo said. "You cope by finding a way to help. And, that is what so many people have done. I have seen a level of caring and compassion in the past few days that has really impressed me. You cope by praying. You cope by mourning with those who mourn," she said.
On Feb. 20, 97 people died and 187 were injured when fire broke out at The Station nightclub in West Warwick.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
