51社区

JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 14, 2001 — 51社区 administration, staff and faculty have worked hard in the recent days in providing proactive measures for the purpose of helping students and the rest of the university family in understanding and dealing with the tragic events that have occurred, said Union President David S. Dockery.

Friday's chapel saw an extended prayer time in which students lifted up prayers for those affected by the terrorist attacks.

After receiving word of the World Trade Center plane attacks and the assault on the Pentagon, the university quickly brought the student body, faculty and staff together for a prayer service, with prayers focusing on confession, dependency on God and acknowledgement of this sorrowful time. The chapel was left open for anyone wanting to pray throughout the day.

鈥淭uesday was certainly a tragic day in the life of our nation,鈥� said Union President David S. Dockery. 鈥淥ur prayers go out for our president and those who will make key decisions in behalf of our country. Likewise, we extend our sympathy and prayers to families affected by the events of this day. We trust God鈥檚 protection and guidance for this country, for our campus, our students and their extended family.鈥�

Continuous updates of what was being reported by CNN and the network news stations were provided through the university鈥檚 website and a telephone hotline. Thursday, an open forum featuring six faculty members well-versed in the areas of international relations, U.S. government, U.S. history and faith and morality issues was held with a high attendance from the campus community and local citizens.

Friday, Sept. 14, Dockery addressed the tragic events in a regularly scheduled chapel service, with an extended prayer time to follow. In response to President Bush鈥檚 request for a National Day of Prayer, all faculty who have class at noon were asked to lead in a special time of intercession and prayer for the nation with their students.