Although experiencing the death of a loved one can be sad, frightening, confusing and upsetting, there will be a tomorrow, a renewal. This is the message six local pastors sent home with parishioners on Good Friday, when they gathered for Mass at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ. “We remembered the first Christians and tried to empathize with their pain and their loss (after the death of Jesus Christ),” said the Rev. David Borthwick, of St. Luke’s. “We today know that (Christ’s death) is not the end of the story, but we need to remember it in an effort to appreciate how it challenges us to follow Christ today. … It unites us in our humanity as well as our participation in the holy.” The Mass opened with Borthwick’s talking about how Christians in the past gathered to find solace in one another in times of tragedy. “They came together just as we do tonight — to pray,” he told the congregation. Each pastor (one each from SS. Peter and John Episcopal Church, Salvation Army, Auburn United Methodist Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Auburn and St. Luke’s) read Bible verses about the events leading up to the Crucifixion. Each verse was followed by a short discussion on how the Bible story’s lesson was relatable to modern life. “It makes it easy to understand,” said Nancy Sheffield, of Port Byron, who attended the Mass. Linda Bolha, of Auburn, said the Mass provided good food for thought. “(Jesus) loves everybody,” she said, referring to one of the Bible passages shared. “We kind of forget that.” Borthwick said he and the other pastors also wanted to send the congregation home with a feeling of community. “We are his community, his family,” he said. Sheffield said she felt a sense of community. “I liked it because it brings community together and we got to see old friends and each minister brought a special message,” she said. Cindy Pellett, of Auburn, said she would like to have several parishes get together more often. Barbara Moody, of Auburn, also felt the togetherness. “It was wonderful to be with this many Christians,” she said. Staff writer Kelly Voll can be reached at 282-2239 or . Follow her on Twitter at CitizenVoll.