The Fountain Hills Interfaith Alliance, in cooperation with the Fountain Hills Public Safety Board, is sponsoring an Interfaith Service of Remembrance for 9/11 at 2pm on Sunday, September 11th. This inspiring service will include clergy, laity, special music, a dramatic presentation by Sean Buvala, and the dedication of a City of Fountain Hills commemorative plaque honoring the continued commitment of our community’s first responders.
Host of the service, Fr. John McDonough says, “I see the tenth anniversary of 9/11 as both a time of remembrance and a re-committal to alleviate the injustices that foster terrorism.” Naomi Lerman, President of Congregation Beth Hagivot says, “Beth Hagivot is honored to be a part of this interfaith service. It’s services such as these that will bring peace to the world and help avoid future 9/11s.” Rev. Crystal Steinberg of New Journey Lutheran has been encouraged by the group of local faith leaders who, committed to interfaith dialogue, have gathered to plan the event together. Azra Hussain, director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona says, “America’s strength is in its unity. Events such as this remind us that we should never let injustice or tragedy prevent us from being ‘one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’”
The Fountain Hills Public Safety Board has helped organize a plaque that is being prepared by the town of Fountain Hills. Mayor Jay Schlum will present it to the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department. The plaque will hang in City Hall. The Board’s Lyle Edwards wants to encourage the citizens of Fountain Hills to not only pay tribute to first responders who have given their all in doing their duty but “hopes this plaque will be a reminder of the sacrifices first responders continue to make into the future.”
Coordinator of the Interfaith Alliance, Rev. David Felten, looks forward to this opportunity to not only be strengthened in “comforting those who mourn but in challenging ourselves in large ways and small to work together for the things that make for peace.”
Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Hindus, Buddhists, Baha’i, Sikhs, and practitioners of other faiths living in and around Fountain Hills are encouraged to gather together to celebrate our diversity as people of faith and to re-commit to the unity that has made our nation strong.
Those attending are invited to stay following the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments provided by the participating faith communities. The service will be at Church of the Ascension, 12615 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. in Fountain Hills at 2pm.