VALLEY RESIDENTS LOOK FOR SOLACE, UNITY IN PRAYER.

Hundreds of residents opened their hearts Wednesday night at places of worship across the San Fernando Valley, shedding tears and expressing sorrow for the men, women and children killed or injured in the worst terrorist attack in United States history.

At Calvary Church in West Hills, about 60 prayed for victims and world leaders, hoping to lift spirits as well as hope for wisdom on how to proceed through America's darkest hours.

``We are filled with anger, grief and sadness because of the unbelievable attack upon our fellow Americans and upon our government,'' the Rev. John Powell said in his sermon. ``The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon underscore the fragile peace we take so for granted.''

Ralph Shoukry said such services ``give us consolation and help us get through.''

``I just wanted to join hands and pray for peace and show solidarity,'' he said.

A friend, school secretary Monica Flores, wore a black ribbon she received from a student. ``You feel helpless,'' she said. ``You can't do anything, except donate blood and pray for these poor families.''

At First Christian Church in North Hollywood, more than 350 people gathered Wednesday for a service, which was at times somber with many weeping, and at times joyful with songs of hope and healing.

Congregants lined up to light individual candles at the altar in honor of those who died.

Erin Didia of Studio City said she came to the service to pray for loved ones on the East Coast.

She had two brothers-in-law who worked at the World Trade Center but survived the attack.

``For the community to come together is very comforting,'' she said. ``We were relieved to find out our family was OK, but we sympathize with those who weren't.''

David and Cheryl Werble of Sherman Oaks heard of the special service on television and raced out after work.

``To come and pray and cry together gave everyone a huge sense of relief,'' David Werble said. ``These services help show the solidarity of America.''

The church is part of an interfaith coalition of 12 other churches around the Valley that also contribute to a food bank and emergency relief fund.

``People are in shock and feeling out of control of their own lives,'' said the Rev. Robert Bock, who helped organize the interfaith service. ``As a community, we need to turn to God for direction. We must find comfort with one another and with God.''

Earlier in the day, Gov. Gray Davis and actor Edward James Olmos were among those lending support to a multifaith service at the Islamic Center of Southern California.

``This is the time to come together and not just scapegoat,'' Davis said via speakerphone to about 75 assembled Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others. ``There is a threat of reprisal, but I strongly urge Californians to resist that.

``We are all one people under God, and I applaud everyone for their efforts toward reconciliation and not confrontation,'' he said.

The Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders declared the coming weekend a Sabbath of Unity and Solidarity and urged residents to pray, donate money and blood, and refrain from ``stereotyping, demonizing and divisive rhetoric.''

At the West Valley Unity Church in Reseda on Wednesday night, the Rev. Brent Fletcher addressed a group of about 60 people.

``As American people, as human beings, our world is different today than when we went to bed Monday night,'' Fletcher said.

``Fear of the known, fear of the unknown, fear of what we saw yesterday - these fears are understandable,'' he said. ``We must release these fears and put in their place a vision.''

UNITED IN PRAYER

Numerous churches, temples and synagogues have announced prayer services in support of victims, their families and of world peace. Among the services:

TODAY

--Memorial service at the steps of Royce Hall at the University of California, Los Angeles. Noon.

--The Conejo Valley Church of Christ, 2525 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. [phone]. 7 p.m.

FRIDAY

--Candlelight vigil at Library Plaza, 217 Maclay Blvd., San Fernando. [phone]. 5:30 p.m.

--Temple Beth Haverim, 5126 Clareton Drive, Agoura Hills. [phone]. 8:15 p.m.

--An interfaith service at Church of St. Andrew & St. Charles and Temple Beth Torah, 16651 Rinaldi St., Granada Hills. [phone]. 7 p.m.

--St. Bernardine's of Sienna Catholic Church, 24410 Calvert St., Woodland Hills. [phone]. 7 p.m.

--SUNDAY

--St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church, 7136 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park. [phone]. 10 a.m.

--Valencia Town Center, gather outside Sears Auto Repair Center, 24137 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. [phone]. 7:15 p.m.

TUESDAY

--Poncitlan Square, 9th Street East and Avenue Q-9, Palmdale. [phone]. 8:45 a.m.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(color) Valley residents gather for worship services Wednesday at Calvary Church in West Hills.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News

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UNITED IN PRAYER (see text)