Cedar Crest Holds Service of Commemoration for the victims in Orlando

More than 30 residents and staff from Cedar Crest, an active continuing care retirement community in Pompton Plains, New Jersey attended a service of commemoration for the victims in Orlando, Florida in the Interfaith Chapel on campus June 28.

The service included an invocation by Cedar Crest Pastoral Ministries Manager Bert Moore, readings by Executive Director Lou Varella and Cedar Crest employees, reading of the names of the victims by Housekeeping Team Leaders Yolanda Piscoya and Vanessa Herrera, and a reflection by Chaplain at Mountainview Gardens Alan Bowen.

The service ended with a silent prayer for the Orlando victims, first responders and the nation’s leaders, and the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” with piano accompaniment by Cedar Crest resident Elaine Thomas.

“Thank you for joining us this afternoon to spend the time to commemorate the memory of those who were the victims of this tragedy in Orlando,” said Cedar Crest Pastoral Ministries Manager Bert Moore during the service. “Our hearts are heavy. This service is an opportunity for our community to gather together to reflect and pray.”

Photo: Pastoral Ministries Manager Bert Moore