New Ulm people flock to service

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Young and old gathered for an ecumenical service Friday at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, to honor victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on Washington and New York City.

Signs of patriotism were displayed, as people walked in wearing shirts and sweaters with images of the flag. A large flag was displayed inside the church.

"My Country, This of Thee" and "Glory, Glory, Alleluia" played on the piano, as students from Holy Trinity Middle School and members of the public filled the cathedral to capacity. Some stood in the back.

Representatives of the Cathedral, Christ the King Lutheran, Evangelical Free Church, First United Methodist, Oakwood United Methodist, Our Savior's Lutheran, United Church of Christ, and Immanuel Lutheran in Courtland gathered for the service.

Cathedral Pastor George Schmit welcomed the overflowing audience.

"On behalf of all the pastors for this National Day of Prayer I welcome you," Schmit said. "It's so good to be able to come to pray for the ordinary men and women who lost their lives for no reason other than going to work."

The horror of Tuesday's attacks was evoked during the service.

"Our eyes could hardly watch the tragic events of Sept. 11. I've never seen such horrific terror of the innocent," Schmit said. "Fear and mourning gripped our soul in such a moment of shock. We will find hope, find comfort, and find strength."

"I feel that as Christians, we need to come together to a place where we are strengthened and share the sorrow with one another and realize there is hope," said New Ulm resident Jean Bloedel. "I want to thank the leaders who organized this for us today."

During prayers, the residents prayed for those who have died, those who mourn, those involved in rescue and recovery efforts, the nation, those who served in the military and national defense, and for President Bush and other leaders as they help to rebuild, unite and guide the country.

The congregation recited Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff -- they comfort me."

After singing hymns, saying prayers, and receiving a blessing of peace, the congregation left with the church bells ringing.

Schmit said he and the other pastors were astonished at the turn-out.

"Most of the pastors as they left were touched and moved by the number of people there -- It was overwhelming," Schmit said.

Schmit said it was apparent that the people of New Ulm are caring and are concerned for those whose lives are forever changed by the attacks.

"There is a certain compassion with the people to be able to suffer with those affected by the attacks," Schmit said. "The service contained a certain amount of patriotism as President Bush asked them to pray and to come together. It's part of who we are as a city and and as part of the nation."