Updated 04/05/2009 09:58 AM
Binghamton churches planning Wednesday vigil
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- While the initial shock of Friday's violence is subsiding, the community is left with uncertainty and anguish.
"The reality is setting in a little more of what's happened," said Pastor Brandon Samuel of the First Assembly of God.
That's why churches of different faiths from across the city will come together to hold a candlelight vigil for the victims of the attack. The group will gather at the First Assembly of God in Binghamton Wednesday night.
"One of the things we're trying to do is put differences and come together. And I think tragedy has a way of bypassing everything. A handshake or a hug is kind of a universal language," Pastor Samuel said.
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"The mending process is going to be a long and hard one. And we're all partnering together in order to do that. We want to offer as much care as we possibly can," said First Assembly of God Operations Director Chad Rieselman.
The City Light Café offered free food and a place to rest for people responding to the tragedy.
"We made three phone calls, that is it. And we have gotten an overwhelming enormous supply of food and drinks from our local stores," said Lori Snyder of City Light Café.
Volunteers say acts of generosity have proven the city has a strong spirit.
"No matter what people say about Binghamton, we are like family here and that we've just pulled together during the tough times," Snyder said.
The candlelight vigil will take place Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church. Pastor Samuel says anyone who would like to come together and show their support for their community is welcome.
Volunteers have also set up a memorial outside the First Assembly Church on Washington Street.They constructed thirteen white crosses to honor the victims of the shooting.