The West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church has requested that all churches within the conference ring their bells 26 times at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, in memory of the victims who lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. last Friday. 

This will be happening in solidarity with the churches of Connecticut, which will all be ringing their bells at that same time. 

The English Chapel at ONU will be participating in this observance.

David MacDonald, ONU chaplain, told The Icon: "On Friday, the bells of our chapel will be ringing 26 times after the Westminster chimes at 9:30 a.m.  If you are on campus, please take a moment to listen to the chiming in silence, as a way to remember the victims of this tragedy. 

"If you are not on campus, please consider pausing at that time wherever you may be, in silence or prayer.  In this way, we will be able to show our solidarity with the people of Newtown, and all across our nation, as we pray to find ways to bring an end to violence."