An interfaith prayer service is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Augustine of Canterbury R.C. Church.
By: Stacey Gorski
Given the overwhelming emotional toll on local residents and the nation following the attack on the World Trade Center, area leaders are doing their best to keep the community together.
The Rev. Francis Hubbard, president of the South Brunswick Area Clergy Association, reflecting on ways clergy can help, said, "Now is a time to recommit ourselves to one community."
In agreement with Father Hubbard’s statement, the township Human Relations Commission, in conjunction with the clergy association, have organized an interfaith prayer service for 7:30 p.m. today (Thursday) at St. Augustine of Canterbury R.C. Church at 45 Henderson Road in Kendall Park.
Local clergy will be joined by Mayor Debra M. Johnson and Police Chief Michael Paquette in an effort to unite all aspects of South Brunswick’s leadership.
In order to bring a diverse group of people to the doors of St. Augustine, Imam Hamad Ahmad Chebli the Islamic Society of Central New Jersey, Rabbi David Eligberg and Cantor Bruce Rochman of Congregation B’nai Tikvah and Ram L. Sharma, a priest from the Durga Temple will join the Rev. Robert Lynam of St. Augustine’s Church, and Father Hubbard in ceremonies.
Local schools also have agreed to participate. Superintendent Sam Stewart will attend as will Tess Barton, the president of the Student Congress at South Brunswick High School will speak and the vocal ensemble from Crossroads will lead the congregation in song.
The program will include "America the Beautiful" and "We Shall Overcome." It will be taped by South Brunswick television for programming later this week. The service simulcast to the gymnasium for those who can not be seated in the church. After the ceremony, crisis counselors will be on hand to help anyone who would like to speak with them.
Father Hubbard encourages people to car pool, as the parking is limited for the large turnout that is expected. He also said people should take the program leaflets home to hold on to the spirit of the evening.
"We need to come together as a community to pray for those who died and for the healing of those dealing with the tragedy. These are specific people that committed these acts, not a group based on skin color, nation or faith. So, we need to keep together the great rainbow that is South Brunswick."

