On Saturday evening, residents of Tulsa’s west side filled Cognizant Church with candles, prayers, and a shared sense of purpose. The service was organized in response to a recent tragedy that has left many families mourning and searching for comfort.
Faith‑filled gathering
Pastor Scott Bryan opened the service by acknowledging the raw emotions in the room. “It’s okay to grieve, it’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s okay to question why this happens,” he said, encouraging attendees to bring their doubts and pain before God.
He reminded the congregation that, while answers may be elusive, the act of coming together can fill the “vacuum of silence” that often follows loss. “Moments like this, simply being together, help us feel God’s presence even when we don’t understand the why,” Pastor Bryan added.
Community voices
Keri McClary, a mother whose son attends Webster High School, spoke on behalf of families directly impacted by the incident. “It’s unimaginable, it’s shocking. I keep checking on my son to make sure he’s okay, and he’s checking on his best friend, staying close to him,” she said, describing the lingering fear and uncertainty that many parents feel.
McClary emphasized the importance of solidarity. “We are here just to love them, to mourn with them, and to help them through this,” she said, urging the congregation to extend practical support to those injured and to the family of Aleen, a victim whose name was mentioned during the service.
Prayer and practical aid
The service included a time of collective prayer, with candles flickering as a visual reminder of hope amid darkness. Attendees were invited to write notes of encouragement, which will be delivered to families in need of emotional and material assistance.
Pastor Bryan concluded by assuring the community that the church will continue to stand beside those affected. “We’ll do whatever we can to help them along,” he promised, highlighting upcoming outreach efforts such as meal deliveries, transportation assistance, and counseling referrals.
Looking forward
While the tragedy has left a scar on the west side, the gathering at Cognizant Church demonstrated the resilience of Tulsa’s faith‑centered community. Residents left the sanctuary with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to support one another in the weeks and months ahead.
For those seeking further involvement, the church has set up a volunteer hotline and a donation fund to cover immediate needs of the injured and bereaved families. The message was clear: in the face of sorrow, the west side will remain united, anchored by faith and compassion.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
