Marisa Peñaloza / NPR

OREM, Utah — On a beautiful Sunday, under sunny skies and a light breeze, people gathered at CenterPoint church for the first Sunday services since conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed during a speaking event at nearby Utah Valley University.

Inside the evangelical church, the air felt heavy.

A 10-member band sang "Firm Foundation," the song that emphasizes when you build your faith on Jesus Christ, you have an unshakable foundation, even when life's circumstances are chaotic or unstable. The song's lyrics say, "Christ is my firm foundation. The rock on which I stand when everything around me is shaken."

Lead pastor Mike Smith welcomed the crowd and addressed the tragic events from last week head-on.

"What we experienced last week wasn't distan

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