A solo trumpet player, Massillon E. LaPorte of Montreal, standing on the steps of Trinity Episcopal Church, sent notes into the misty night air as people entered the church Monday evening for a solemn but uplifting interfaith gathering that commemorated the lives lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School, exactly three years earlier.

Young and old, they filed quietly into the nave, filling the benches for the 7 pm service on December 14. Among those in attendance Monday evening were Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Elizabeth Esty, and Senator Tony Hwang.

Hugs, kisses, and handshakes were passed among those gathered, heads were bowed, and beneath a few teary eyes, gentle smiles broke through sadness. Soft chatter merged with the voices of the Trinity Choristers and the music of the organ, soaring down from the loft.

“It is good we have gathered here tonight,” Newtown Congregational Church Senior Pastor Matthew Crebbin said to open the evening, noting that it was a place to find support and comfort.

“We come to this place after a long day… filled with so many emotions… We come here mindful of those who continue to grieve… We come to this place knowing that here we are free to pour out grief… and know that we are kept by something larger than ourselves,” Rev Crebbin prayed. “We come to a sacred place… because of each person here tonight… Be summoned as God’s people,” he invoked.

“God is the greatest… I testify no God but the one God… Mohammed is the God’s prophet… Come to prayer… There is no God but the one God,” Anika Qazi, of the Al Hadaya Islamic Center, translated the prayer sung by Mu’addhin Muadh Bhamagarwala.

An ascending bell note on the organ accompanied the reading of each of the names of the 26 victims of 12/14, read by the Reverend Kathleen Adams-Shepherd, pastor of the event’s host church. Following a moment of silence, other members of Newtown Interfaith Clergy Association then offered words of hope, and music lifted spirits.

Pastor Jack Tanner of Newtown Christian Church reminded all that God has “carried us through many hardships,” and gave thanks for the healing given through the moment, slow as it might be.

“We ask for courage to face the struggles still before us… Give us wisdom… Grant us strength. May peace that transcends… guide our hearts and minds,” he prayed.

“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people,” a member of the Children’s Theatre Co of New York quoted the Rev Martin Luther King, Jr, before the choir of 5-12-year-olds burst out singing of our differences and similarities.  “One world, spinning in the night,” sang the choir, ending on a jubilant exclamation that brought all to their feet, clapping in appreciation. Additional music from the Trinity Choristers was interspersed throughout the service, as well.

“Tonight we mourn with those who mourn,” and trust in the promise of God to heal, Deen Kelmsley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints reminded those present. “In our present sorrow,” he said, “we need very real comfort… That’s why we’re gathered here tonight.”

Readings from the Bible, offered by Pastor Jim Solomon of New Hope Community Church, were followed by a time of reflection, as all were invited forward to light a candle.

“Ponder a virtue or quality you wish everyone in Newtown could embrace,” suggested Rev Leo McIlrath of The Lutheran Home of Southbury.

“Come and put down your weapons of wrath…Reorient the minds of men… Love is light, no matter where it dwells, hate is darkness, no matter where it makes its nest… Strive ye to banish this darkness,” were words from the Baha’i Community of Newtown.

Singing in Hebrew, Rabbi Shaul Praver’s voice lifted the words of Psalm 121 over bowed heads, with a prayer for the community following, raised up by Rev Mel Kawakami of Newtown United Methodist Church.

“We gather as the community we are…We have experienced pain together,” but are sustained by the circles of love that give strength. “Even through our pain we move forward… Our community is much larger than we would have ever, ever imagined. We pray that we are tied together by love and service,” said Rev Kawakami.

As the gathering of comfort and support came to a close, Rev McIlrath offered the Benediction, praying, “God… truly our father and our mother, makes us all children, brothers and sisters, one to another…. In time of darkness… inspire us with your ever present being… Take away this dreadful cup; let it become a holy darkness, one we can relish… Send us off… in the spirit of believing and beloving… and also of action to change the world. Return us all to a season of light and  joy. Amen, amen. Peace be with you.”