GRAND BLANC TWP., Mich. (WNEM) – Less than 24 hours after tragedy struck a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, another congregation in Grand Blanc Township opened its doors to help the community grieve together.

Hillside Church filled with neighbors Monday night not for a typical service, but for prayer, mourning and healing. Five people were killed, eight others injured, and the church itself destroyed by fire in Sunday’s attack.

For many, showing up was the only way to make sense of the heartbreak.

“Shock, and just deep, deep sadness. That this could happen so close to home,” said Donna Hedrick, who traveled from Holly to join in prayer.

Others said faith is what helps them take the next step.

“To be here and just pray for them,” said church member Pat Chervus.

“Yeah, all I’ve been doing is crying ever since. I just can’t believe it,” added church member Debbie Petersheim.

While investigators continue to search for a motive, the focus at Hillside was on unity. A police cruiser sat outside the church during the gathering. A visible reminder of the ongoing investigation, and the fear still lingering in the community.

“One person can destroy a lot. But together, you know we’re stronger,” Hedrick said.

Pastor Justin Rose urged attendees to lean on faith and each other in the days ahead.

“The gospel of the good news is what we share on Sundays, and that is the deliverance from a dark and fallen world to a place where we actually have hope,” Rose said.

Church leaders said this will not be the last gathering, as more vigils and counseling sessions are planned to help families, survivors and the community heal.

“It’s a tragedy we know it. But we can love each other through it,” Rose said.

Authorities said the investigation could take days to complete. The church remains an active crime scene.