SAUL LOEB/Arizona Daily Wildcat Tucson resident Sara Nicolai has a moment to herself during the singing of "Amazing Grace" last night at a memorial service at the Trinity Presbyterian Church for three professors killed Monday. Nicolai is a member of the Tucson chapter of Healing Touch, an international energy-based therapy organization developed by nurses as a support group.

Between the lightly-colored pews and the marble background of the large copper cross at the front altar of the church, about 100 friends and colleagues gathered to seek comfort in each other following the shootings at the College of Nursing on Monday.

A service was held last night to help the community deal with the College of Nursing shootings Monday.

The service was sponsored by Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd., to serve as a "community resource," said director of congregational life Norman Steffenson.

"People need a place to go and share and know that they're not alone," he said.

The service included speakers from area churches, the College of Nursing and a member of the Tucson City Council.

Memorial Services Cheryl McGaffic Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's and All Angels Church, 602 N. Wilmot Rd. Barbara Monroe Saturday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 8051 E. Broadway Blvd. The time has not yet been released. Robin Rogers Faith Lutheran-Missouri Synod Church, 3925 E Fifth St. The date and time have not yet been released.

"I was in denial and disbelief," said Carol West, Tucson's vice mayor.

She stressed the need for the community to come together during this time of grief and sorrow, as people attending the service cried and hugged each other.

"This community reaches out like no other," she continued. "We need to reach out to each other in midst of sorrow and encourage less violence and more openness with each other."

The atmosphere at the service was solemn and emotional.

"We owe a great debt to these women," said Terry Dalke, whose sister is a nurse. "There are so many silent angels who do great things for all and it takes an event like this to happen before we recognize how much they do."

All who spoke at the service described their personal connection to the tragedy.

"It's a very personal thing," said the Rev. Gordon McBride, from Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church. "I don't know what to say to people who face the reality of this horror in our community."

He said it's very personal to any community who is forced to "confront reality of senseless, brutal violence."

The closing remarks and prayer were in rhythm will the public's feeling of disbelief.

"I was in Virginia when Ms. Franklin was shot by the sniper, but things like that don't happen in Tucson, " said Rev. Ricky Harvey of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

"I came back to town on Monday and saw the streets blocked off and realized it can and did happen in Tucson," he continued.

Harvey offered a glimmer of hope for those in attendance.

"There will be peace in our community one day," Harvey said.

The overlying theme of the night was that the community needs to come together and seek out organizations and services to work through the common grief.

Healing Touch is one such organization ÷ an energy-based therapy group developed by nurses. The majority of the group's members are nurses, but it is open to anyone.

"We are here for support for anyone who needs it," said Jill Holbrook, one of the Tucson chapter's network coordinators.

A reverend from another church organization stressed the need to stay strong and band together.

"We know that violence cannot have the last word," said Rev. Dr. Robin Hoover from First Christian Church. "Our resolve means we need to get involved in the lives of the people around us."

"We must never forget the victims," said Rose Gerber, associate professor emeritus at the College of Nursing. "We need to help each other listen and, like (the victims), seek to be the best."