The celebrations were bittersweet as parishioners remembered the pain of the attacks.  Some said the events have brought them closer to their families.  Others still lived in fear of the future.

At St. John's in the Wilderness Church in Stony Point, more than100 people attended an Episcopal service of quiet thanksgiving that included Bible readings and Christmas carols.  Dozens of candles lighting the darkened sanctuary gave the service a solemn atmosphere.

In his sermon, the Rev. William Dearman said Christmas today is different from past, when the concerns were putting up bright lights, wrapping presents, singing carols and waiting to open gaily wrapped presents.

He said that this Christmas, the true gifts are those of love, caring and fellowship.

"The gifts we really long for are unwrappable," he said, "and this year, more than ever ... we have to remember those who have suffered loss of any kind."

Kirby Zummo of Cornwall-on-Hudson, a parishioner for 20 years, said she was especially happy this Christmas.

Zummo, who attended the service with her husband and their two children, and with her parents who were visiting from Florida, said that she was happy to be surrounded by her loved ones.

Chester residents Harry and Pearle Meisner said that, at the end of a "very hard year," the church had been their refuge.

"You wondered what was really what," Meisner said.  "I think this is the only place you can get answers for that."

by Suzan Clark
Special to the Journal News
December 25th, 2001