Congregation Prays for Huber Family and Justice

The programs handed to members of the Aliso Creek Presbyterian Church each Sunday for the past three years asked parishioners to pray for information on Denise Huber’s whereabouts.

“We don’t have that in our bulletin today,” Pastor Jack Hafer told the congregation Sunday. That prayer has finally been answered.

“Many questions are still unanswered,” he said, “but at least this one is.”

The Sunday service was a smaller, more intimate affair than Saturday’s public memorial ceremony, in which Huber was eulogized before a large gathering of friends, family and hundreds of others acquainted with the tragic circumstances of her death.

On Sunday, some among the 200 parishioners wept, and others bowed their heads deeply in prayer as the church’s pastors referred to Denise Huber in their sermons.

“We are a tightknit group,” said Walt Shepard, another church pastor. “We have been through a tremendous week.”

Denise Huber’s parents, Ione and Dennis, managed smiles and greeted their friends with warm handshakes. They expressed gratitude for the support they have received, but the pain and strain of the week’s events was evident.

Several times during the service, Dennis Huber rubbed his eyes and fought back tears.

“It’s been tough,” he said softly.

And it may not be any easier in the months to come.

Law enforcement authorities Sunday continued to investigate Denise Huber’s death and pursue their case against murder suspect John J. Famalaro. Yavapai County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Mascher said authorities expected to know late Sunday if blood evidence recovered from a Laguna Hills storage facility matched Denise Huber’s blood type. He also said a decision on whether to try Famalaro in Orange County or Arizona will probably be made this week.

“There are some incredible things the family still has to go through,” said Shepard, as he addressed the church members. “The trial is not going to be fun. “

Dennis Huber said he realizes that the trial will be difficult to watch, but he was relieved to finally know what happened to his daughter.

“It is better to have an answer, even though tough days are ahead,” he said.

Shepard, who will officiate at funeral services for Denise Huber in South Dakota next week, told the congregation to “pray for the family” and to “please pray for justice.”

He also told the flock that “closure” in the case did not come when Denise Huber’s body was found handcuffed in a freezer, stored in a stolen moving truck in Dewey, Ariz.

“Closure is not in a freezer. . . It’s not in a Ryder truck,” he said. “Closure is with Jesus.”

Throughout the ordeal, church members have offered their support to the Hubers. Many attended Saturday’s memorial service, and some prepared food to be served afterward. Shepard said he was “proud of the unity” the church has shown in the face of the crisis.

Besides providing moral support, the church has established a Denise Huber Memorial Fund that will funnel donations to several charitable causes, yet to be selected. Shepard said donations may be sent to the fund at 120 Columbia Drive, Suite 100, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656.