Church Offers Sense Of Community On 9/11 Anniversary

“Today we remember one of the darkest moments in our history,” were the first words from Brian Pipping, ’s senior pastor, during the "Remember 9-11-01" service on Sunday.

Those words reverberated under a massive tent next to the chapel at 255 Quentin Road, where more than 1,000 people came to find comfort and resolve as the tragedy that befell our nation 10 years ago was recalled.

The breezy, sunny Sunday morning served as a reminder of similar weather on that fateful day in 2001, as well as a stark contrast to the memories evoked from the agony and suffering our country watched unfold.  

The service began with the song Freedom is Here, which included poignant lyrics relative to the day's theme, like "I’m not shaking, I’m not letting go," and "Let your freedom rise in our lives as we lift you up."

Members of the military, and those who have served as police officers or firefighters were asked to stand up to be honored during a moment of silence. 

At least 30 people from the crowd were on their feet.

“It is a very significant day for our country and it’s important that the world of faith be at the center of this — to try and come to grips as to why and how we can move on,” said Dick Shusha, Barrington resident. “There is a stream of patriotism, and as a veteran I very much appreciate it."

also were invited to attend and to be honored during the service.

Three Lake Zurich firefighters were at the service only briefly — they had to leave to answer an emergency call — a moving example of the type of selfless commitment that police, fire and military personnel display every day on the job.

“This event salutes and remembers our brothers who were lost that day; others were running away from the danger, but they were running toward it. There would have been many, many more fatalities if not for their bravery,” said Lake Zurich firefighter Lee Kammin.

A videotaped interview between Pipping and his friend Jerry Molnar also was broadcast for the crowd on a number of television screens under the tent.

Molnar explained how he had come from poverty while growing up in Jersey City, N.J., and worked very hard to achieve success. 

He said he equated success with having a lot of money and never had enough; that drive ultimately led to his having offices at World Trade Center 1.

During a number of up and down years, Molnar said he developed a drinking problem, then joined AA and ultimately became sober. He said he found a place for God in his life and began ministering others out of his home.  

On Sept. 11, 2001, Molnar happened to be at home mourning the recent death of his wife when both World Trade Center towers were torpedoed by planes piloted by terrorists.

His friends and employees were killed.

“God wants to bless us, but we have to know him,” Molnar said.

Pipping said so many of us are running around at a frenetic pace, also trying to chase after money as Molnar had. All of us must stop and think about what we really are looking for, Pipping said.  

He reiterated that we all need to have hope; hope that we can, as individuals and as a nation, continue to survive the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.  

Then Pipping asked for a moment of silence, which turned into many moments of peace throughout tent.

“I think this is a wonderful way to bring the community together; God can use any situation for his purposes in support against evil and for his goodness,” said Roger Williams of Forest Lake.

“The terrorist attacks were such a significant event for our nation; this service is meant to be a part of remembering our heroes, and to give our community a moment for healing and closure,” said Pipping. “Our greatest desire is to serve our community on this day and to give them a place to remember."

“For me, this is where I come every Sunday; commemorating 9/11 has an equal part for me,” said Frank Furio of Lake Zurich.

Furio attended the service with his two sons, Mike and Frankie, who were in fifth grade and 2 years old, respectively, when the terrorist attacks occurred.

“There is now a whole generation, including my sons, who have grown up with a war going on that stemmed from the terrorist attacks. It really puts things into perspective,” Furio said.

The service also provided a place for people who needed comfort after re-experiencing the severe emotional toll that 9/11 took on those who witnessed it, near or far to Manhattan, Washington, D.C., or Shanksville, Pa.

“So many of our people invited friends to come here; no one wants to be alone today,” said Diane Pipping, a member of the First Impressions team. “Emotionally, we’re all right back there and this is a place where we can all have a real sense of community and comfort.”