By Maya Quinn, editor

On September 10, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church held a Mass service to honor local first responders and in remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9/11. The Reverend Richelle Thompson organized the readings and songs for the service; the themes centered on the courage and sacrifice that love requires. “Even after 25 years, the memory remains remarkably close for some…” Reverend Thompson began the service by acknowledging those involved in the tragedy and asking the congregation to remember those who responded to the attack with tremendous courage. She then spoke on the courage and love of Greene County’s first responders, who are imbued with the same courage as the first responders from that fateful day. She stated that they act with a deep love and care for their neighbors, and that we should respond in kind. “Love does not depend on the size of the city or the number of volunteers.” 

The congregation then listened to several readings during the service that emphasized a call to courageously love those around us, as that is what is right to do. The gospel readings on the teachings of Jesus, John 15:9-17, remind us that love is an action that must be practiced. Reverend Thompson reminded us that “courage does not just belong in the history books…it lives here today in ordinary people who answer the call.”

As many of the local first responders were preoccupied with important meetings and calls, the church had meals delivered to the Greene County EMS for EMTs on call that night. You can visit St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for service on Sundays at 403 North Main Street, Eutaw, AL 35462.

Featured Image: Councilwoman Carrie Logan and the Reverend of St. Stephen’s Episcopal church, Reverend Richelle Thompson