NIU-area churches reach out

The DeKalb campuses of Harvest Bible Chapel and Christ Community Church are reaching out to help not only students, faculty and staff of Northern Illinois University in the wake of Thursday's tragedy, but also the community in general.

According to Pastor Larry Breeden of Christ Community Church, special prayers will be offered at his church's 6 p.m. service today and at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday.

"When we are confronted with this kind of evil, it shakes us," Breeden said. "We don't want to believe that a student who was apparently so well regarded could do this. We need to explore what motivated him.

"Too many people are trying to live a life alone. God designs us to be a community. If anyone is feeling alone, they should try to become part of the community. We want them to know there are those who care for them."

Breeden said several members of his church work at Northern Illinois University and at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, where many of the victims are being treated.

Breeden also said his church and others are continuing to support Network of Nations, an organization for international students at Northern.

"There are about 1,200 who are unable to return home while the school is closed," he said. Breeden said campus police informed the group members they will be able to continue to meet even though other campus events are suspended.

"We're trying to reach out to the greater community," said Beth Erickson, director of operations for Harvest Bible Chapel in DeKalb. "Many members of our church have called to offer meals and a place to congregate for those who want to be together. We have a very loving congregation."

Harvest Bible Chapel has services at 9 a.m. Sundays.

For information, call Christ Community Church at (815) 787-6161 or Harvest Bible Chapel at (815) 756-9020.

Christ Community Church is based in St. Charles, and Harvest Bible Chapel is based in Rolling Meadows.