A “service of hope and renewal” was the message at Robert Carr Chapel on Wednesday as students and staff joined together remembering those affected by Hurricane Katrina.”I think it’s important when things like this happen to gather in a community of faith,” said junior social work major, Lauren Love. “It helps to process things.”

The goal was to bring together people of all faiths, said TCU Ministries intern, Ann Smith.

“There hadn’t been an opportunity for people to come and experience spiritual healing,” Smith said. “We wanted to encompass all faiths and beliefs.”

The event was at the request of the community, said the Rev. Angela Kaufman, minister to the university.

“It’s so important to come together at a time when there’s so much destruction, and now people are pointing fingers and casting blame,” Kaufman said.

The service included a song in French, sung by graduate student Zara Mladenova, intended to pay homage to the rich French heritage of the Bayou. Dave Watson, student government association president, also gave a reflection.

Smith said University Ministries has been organizing and running fundraisers and collections for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“We are spearheading with Community Outreach for fundraising, gathering clothing and donations and taking names of volunteers,” Smith said.

University Ministries says its relief efforts have been successful so far and it will continue to collect funds while working with the American Red Cross.

With such success and availability to TCU students, Love thinks all students should help out the community.

“There’s no excuse why students can’t participate when it’s that well organized,” Love said.

Donation tables or drop-offs will be located in residence halls, dining areas, the Mary Couts Burnett Library, the Brown-Lupton Student Center, the University Recreation Center and the office of University Ministries.

Kaufman said she wants to spread the message of hope and rebuilding after this tragedy and bring together people of all faiths.

“I hope that the community coming together gives them something to think about and reflect on,” Kaufman said, “and gives them the courage and drive to help others in this situation.