By RYAN CHRISTNER

rchristner@dailynews.net

In March 2008, the small, northwest Kansas town of Portis sustained a devastating loss with the death of Jeffery Scott Noel.

Since that time, in an effort to remember and celebrate the life that was taken from them, area residents have gathered monthly at Grace Brethren Church, Portis, for a series of prayer services.

Monday, another such service will be held, although the theme of the evening might differ slightly than originally expected.

With the conviction last week of Salina resident Kenneth Eugene Wilson, who was charged with Noel's murder and the burglary of his home, the service's theme of "remembrance" could also feature a good deal of praise.

"Since the good Lord has blessed us with a good verdict, there will be some praise items too, I'm sure," said Darrel Wolters, a member of the church committee organizing the event. "It would have been really disheartening if the outcome hadn't come out like it did."

The service will mark the 14-month anniversary of Noel's death, which shocked the close-knit community.

Although pain and sadness are emotions that are still very powerful in Portis, Wolters said the mood around town is noticeably different since the end of the Wilson trial.

Kendall Nichols, another church committee member, said Noel was very well respected and his family members are "really neat people," which is why he and other's in the Grace Brethren congregation have worked so hard to remember their friend.

"It's just brought the whole community together," Wolters said of the church services. "That just has a lot of power when you have that many prayers."

The prayer service, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. Monday.