Vigil at Bend church honors Orlando victims

Just days after the Florida mass shooting, people across the U.S. are still grieving. Tuesday night in downtown Bend, the Bend United Methodist Church held a candlelight vigil.

Bend residents are still trying to make sense of the terror attack that hit Orlando early Sunday morning. On Tuesday, the church opened its doors and allowed people to come together, light a candle and pray for Orlando, the victims and all those in pain.

It was one of many United Methodist churches throughout the region to hold a vigil to remember the victims of the shooting.

“Everyone’s welcome to come and go, light a candle and pray for Orlando,” said Pastor Dave Beckett. “I think it’s important that we don’t allow our conscience to get hardened and immune to the hurt and the pain, (and) allow ourselves to feel it.”

People throughout the community took time to pay their respects in silence. Beckett said there is great power in silence. He said there’s plenty of time for debate in the future, but the vigil is about remembering those lost.

“We think we jump too quickly to debate. To honor those in pain, we need to feel some of that pain,” he said.

One of the evening’s many attendees was Ellen Glenn. She said it’s difficult to be part of a group that’s targeted by hate.

“Finally, we have the legal right to be who we are, but we don’t have the moral support,” she said.

Glenn said she enjoys attending the United Methodist church, as it is accepting to all people.

“There are many gay and lesbian couples in this church,” Beckett said.

Despite the tragedy, those attending the vigil agreed that love wins in the end.

“Love is going to win, and as people of faith, we believe that, with all our heart, soul and mind,” Beckett said.

Beckett reminded people to have compassion for one another as the nation struggles to find a way to address the painful tragedy of mass shootings.