“It is with heavy hearts that we offer our deepest prayers to the community of Boston, our nation, and all who were affected by the bomb explosions on Monday, April 13, 2013, a day that should have been spent in glorious celebration commemorating the emergence of our great nation,” the Reverend Matthew Crebbin, senior pastor of Newtown Congregational Church, said this afternoon.

Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, has opened its sanctuary to all who wish to lift prayers to God during this time of sorrow.

The sanctuary will remain open until 8:30 pm tonight.

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Additional houses of worship that are planning to open their sanctuaries or host vigils are invited to contact Associate Editor Shannon Hicks, at 203-426-3141 or shannon@thebee.com, in order to help spread word of these offerings.