The DeKalb Ecumenical Association held the Ecumenical Peace and Reconciliation Service Sunday evening at the First United Methodist Church’s parking lot.

The candlelight vigil’s theme was “Remember … Remind … Renew.”

Rather than focusing on the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the vigil was geared toward reminding each other of the events that have stirred from the attacks.

Alice Smith, the director of Music and Liturgy of St. Mary’s, helped plan the vigil.

“It’s focus is for those who are in need,” Smith said prior to the vigil.

The service was split into three different parts, one for each portion of the theme.

Throughout the vigil, participants listened to several readings from the Bible.

After reflecting on each reading, a litany, or a set of prayers said by a leader, with a verbal response by participants was said.

Finally, a hymn was sung to complete each section of the service.

At the end of all this, about 100 participants battled the wind as they lighted their candles from each church’s sacramental candles.

Smith stressed the importance of peace and prayer in today’s world.

“We need to have the consciousness that there is a need for prayer in order to produce peace. If it doesn’t, if it isn’t in people’s hearts, it’s never going to happen.”

The DeKalb Ecumenical Association consists of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church and First Lutheran Church.