Candlelight vigil for Sandy Hook victims and survivors planned in Germantown

At 6 p.m. Thursday, the First United Methodist Chuch of Germantown and Janes United Memorial Church will host a “candlelight vigil for victims and survivors” of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.

The hour-long vigil, which the public is invited to attend, will take place outside Germantown High School, located on Germantown Avenue between High and Haines streets.

“The vigil will be in memory of those who have died and in support of the survivors of Newtown and in solidarity with survivors everywhere,” said FUMCOG Rev. Lorelei Toombs.

It will be immediately followed by a “Love and Loss: Observing Christmas in Times of Sadness” service.

“For some, the Christmas season is marked by love and laughter, joy and family gatherings. But others find it difficult to ponder loved ones no longer with us. Still others have experienced other kinds of losses, losses of relationships or economic security,” Toombs said of the service. “This service offers hope through a period of silence and meditation acknowledging deep wounds and losses.”

For more information about Thursday’s events, call (215) 438-3677.

Check NewsWorks on Friday for a story about, and photos of, the vigil.