Uploaded: Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, 6 p.m.

Local churches, synagogue respond to tragedy

Special vigils, services and prayers planned for rest of week

by Pam Smith

Several churches and one synagogue responded within hours of the apparent terrorist attacks on the East Coast. Vigils, services and prayers were scheduled to continue throughout the week.

"People really just want to come and pray, and be with somebody to talk about the issue," said a spokesperson from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, where there was an impromptu gathering Tuesday to watch the news on the parish's big screen TV. That church is holding prayer sessions, and is open for private prayer, all day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Other churchers, such as Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, simply hung banners outside of their sanctuaries announcing prayer services.

The following services are open to the public

Thursday:

**Daily prayer, noon. Christ Episcopal Church, 815

Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call (650) 851-0224.

**Prayer service, 7 p.m. Menlo Park Presbyterian

Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call (650) 323-

8600.

Friday:

**Daily prayer, noon. Christ Episcopal Church, 815

Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 851-0224.