With the war in Iraq now in full bloom, one local church responded by opening its doors Friday evening to residents seeking peace of heart, along with peace in the Middle East.

Nearly 100 people were drawn to a special prayer service at Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Lackawannock Township.

Brenda Kern of Reynolds scurried to get inside. She wore a black jacket with the words "POW/MIA You Are Not Forgotten" written across the back. She and other members of the Mercer County Vietnam Era Veterans Association attended the service in support of the pastor and the troops.

"I support our troops very much," she said.

Church member Henry Troyer of Reynolds attended with his wife Sandy and his grandchildren, 8-year-old Kaitlyn and 4-year-old Triston. Troyer's son-in-law and the children's father, Army Reservist Corey Beck of Mercer, was called to duty this month and is awaiting his orders at Fort Dix, N.J. Beck had been in Bosnia before Sept. 11, 2001, and had settled back home just last March.

"We're praying for all of them, not just him or the people out of this church, but the rest of military," Troyer said.

The orchestral tune of "God Bless America" filled the entire church. American flags and "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers were passed out, along with American flag lapel pins.

The audience prayed for faith, hope and grace.

"We gather this night in a time of solemnity, apprehension and uncertainty. And also in a sense of hope, trust and comfort. Remember them serving in the armed forces and our president in this time of war," said the Rev. Donald P. Wilson, church pastor.

Rev. Wilson said the gathering was a spur-of-the-moment service that church elders felt led to do. In church on Sunday, he said, they focused on comfort and assurance.

He commended those who attended for being there on short notice and said the war isn't completely about Saddam Hussein: "Forces of evil are at work, not only to destroy the United States, but the Christian church as well."

With a membership of 500, Rev. Wilson said it was striking that 10 members of the Lebanon church congregation were called to duty. The names of those people, who are serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines Corps, were read, along with names of other friends and relatives.

Rev. Wilson asked civilian loved ones to focus their prayers on the president to have the wisdom and courage to be obedient.

"And pray the conflict soon be ended. Give thanks for those who are willing to serve."