Hundreds of Tucsonans gathered at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church for a candlelight service to offer their support for the Guthrie family, and prayers for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.
“Most merciful God, we pray for our sister Nancy,” read a section of the program for Wednesday night's service. “Bring her swiftly to safety, and to those whom she loves. Comfort her family, her friends, and loved ones, especially (her children) Annie, Camron, Savannah, and their families.”
A couple walks up to St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell Ave., to attend the candlelight service for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie went missing from her home Saturday night or Sunday morning in what investigators believe was an abduction.
One by one, in every row of the church, candles were lit, and attendees lined up to place small flames on the altar under the large rear window, as a symbol of prayer for Guthrie and her family.
Despite the somber mood, there was a feeling of hope, and above all, a deep sense of unity.
“This whole town is grieving for the family. That’s why we’re here, to pray and light our candles for her,” said longtime Tucson resident Linda Ashenbrenar.
She noted that Guthrie’s disappearance overnight Saturday from her home has been a shock to the Tucson community. She said it struck her particularly hard because she has watched Savannah Guthrie as an anchor of NBC's "Today" show for years.
“Savannah has been in our living rooms for so many years she feels like part of the family,” she said. “Our hearts are shattered for her.”
A group of people walk up to St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church to attend the candlelight service for Nancy Guthrie, who remains missing. .
Harriet Claiborne, a member of the congregation at St. Philip's, which is at a corner of North Campbell Avenue and River Road, not far from Nancy Guthrie's home, said the community is collectively reeling.
“We're all horrified,” she said. “This is such a scary thing for their family.”
Claiborne said the Tucson community is holding the family in their thoughts and prayers and she wants them to know their friends and neighbors are here to help them.
St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church hosted a candlelight service for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old woman whom investigators believe was abducted from her Tucson home overnight Saturday.
“Whatever they need, or Nancy needs, we're here to help,” she said.
In scheduling the special service, St. Philip's noted that Savannah Guthrie has asked for prayers during the family's ordeal and that she has emphasized the power of collective hope.
Ashenbrenar said she and others are praying for a good outcome and for Nancy Guthrie to be found safe.
“I hope that Savannah is reunited with her mom, and her mom is alive and well,” she said.
Nancy Guthrie’s neighbor Laura Gargano was also among those in attendance. She said she wanted to participate and “send some good energy into the universe."
“It breaks my heart,” she said of Nancy's disappearance.
Gargano said she lived in the neighborhood only part-time until about a year ago, and while she doesn’t know Nancy particularly well, she described her as kind and welcoming.
“I've only met her a couple times, but she is very sweet,” Gargano said. “She is just very sweet, and had welcomed me into the house, even though she had workers in the house doing things.”
Gargano said Nancy is beloved in her neighborhood and she hopes the family feels the community's support.
“We send our love and affection to them right now,” she said.
