This morning there was a fire at the church in Dickinson, Texas I once served. No one was injured. The administrative wing including offices and meeting rooms was destroyed. Thanks to the fire department, the other spaces including the sanctuary and fellowship hall were spared by the fire but will be impacted by smoke/water damage.
This Church and Congregation was an important part of my youth as a partner with St. John's Lutheran Church in Santa Fe. Our Luther Leagues brought so many of us teenagers together. The last time I was able to visit was this past Ash Wednesday with my Mom. As a former member, my prayers and thoughts are with them as they go through the rebuilding process.
I resonate with the heartbreak of a church fire. Twenty years ago my home church experienced a fire that was quickly put out by our local firefighters, but there was extensive smoke damage throughout the building. Restoration meant taking everything down to the studs and literally starting over. Because of that, we were able to make much-needed changes in the layout of our space, ending up with a light-filled and welcoming atmosphere. We had gracious help from the community around us. God is able to use our personal and corporate disasters for our good - for our wholeness and healing. I pray that Faith will experience that blessing again.
Losses seem to mount as we age. My home congregation left for the NALC so I've never gone or been invited back. My wife's congregation's building was sold and demolished for a hospital parking lot and the people scattered around town. I don't know the interim at Faith but I hear that the pastor before was really, really good at what she did. I've no doubt the people of Faith will be able to carry on their mission and ministry with such a firm foundation.
I’m so sorry for their - and your - loss. It’s heartbreaking, but there is also good to come from it. The love shown by others as they rebuild is priceless.
I’m so saddened to read this, but heartened by your words. My church is my family, just as the family I was born into. Your church will hold on to each other and the church is in their hearts. My prayers are with you, Deb.
This Church and Congregation was an important part of my youth as a partner with St. John's Lutheran Church in Santa Fe. Our Luther Leagues brought so many of us teenagers together. The last time I was able to visit was this past Ash Wednesday with my Mom. As a former member, my prayers and thoughts are with them as they go through the rebuilding process.
I resonate with the heartbreak of a church fire. Twenty years ago my home church experienced a fire that was quickly put out by our local firefighters, but there was extensive smoke damage throughout the building. Restoration meant taking everything down to the studs and literally starting over. Because of that, we were able to make much-needed changes in the layout of our space, ending up with a light-filled and welcoming atmosphere. We had gracious help from the community around us. God is able to use our personal and corporate disasters for our good - for our wholeness and healing. I pray that Faith will experience that blessing again.
Thank you for putting this in words. All I can do is cry right now.
Losses seem to mount as we age. My home congregation left for the NALC so I've never gone or been invited back. My wife's congregation's building was sold and demolished for a hospital parking lot and the people scattered around town. I don't know the interim at Faith but I hear that the pastor before was really, really good at what she did. I've no doubt the people of Faith will be able to carry on their mission and ministry with such a firm foundation.
So sad to hear this. Faith will keep the church family together. 🙏
I’m so sorry for their - and your - loss. It’s heartbreaking, but there is also good to come from it. The love shown by others as they rebuild is priceless.
I’m so saddened to read this, but heartened by your words. My church is my family, just as the family I was born into. Your church will hold on to each other and the church is in their hearts. My prayers are with you, Deb.