When violence struck Durham’s Parkwood neighborhood on September 12, it left a family grieving and a community shaken. On October 29, neighbors, clergy, and other community members gathered at the scene of the tragedy for a prayer vigil, bringing light, hope, and a message of peace to a place marked by sorrow.

Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Durham and its pastor, the Rev. Ben Krey, helped bring the community together. The vigil included candle lighting, messages from local clergy, and prayers for the James family and the Parkwood neighborhood.

In his opening remarks, Pastor Krey acknowledged the pain of the tragedy while reminding those gathered that one terrible day should not define a community. Longtime neighbors had told him they had never seen anything like this happen in Parkwood. He said the neighborhood should be remembered for decades of good days and the people who have made it a wonderful place to live.

Krey also spoke of God’s presence in the midst of suffering. The crucified Christ, who knows pain, was present on the day violence struck and remains present in the community’s ongoing grief. Though no one could take away the James family’s pain, he wanted them to know they did not have to carry it alone.

As candles were lit, Barbara Stevens offered a reminder that violence does not get the final word: “Love, hope, and the light of Christ are still here.”

Clergy from several nearby congregations joined in sharing messages and leading prayers for peace. Together, they prayed for comfort for the James family, healing for the neighborhood, and the strength to forgive, love, and care for one another.