We
teach our children to sing, “The church is not a building.” But a church building is home for a
congregation. Home is more than a
building. It is a place of considerable
emotional significance. It is
heartbreaking when your home is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise violated. At times, we are left with only our memories.
Zion
Lutheran Church in Kewanee suffered a fire this past Sunday evening. Smoke was noticed by a neighbor. The fire department responded quickly. Had just a few additional minutes passed,
there would be nothing left. The fire
fighters were on the scene for five hours.
The
cause of the fire has not been determined.
Both the fire marshal and Zion’s insurance carrier are
investigating. Early guesses lean toward
something electrical in the attic.
The
people of Zion gathered Monday evening for their first look inside the
building. They walked in the front door
just as they have countless times. This
time it was passing under yellow caution tape and through a boarded up door. The statue of Jesus was in its place above
the entry, but now it was darkened with soot.
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| Folks gathered in front before entering |
As Zion
members entered the building, the smell of smoke forced some to cover their
mouths and noses. The nave was spared
any fire damage, but the carpet underfoot is soggy, the pew cushions are now a
darker shade, and the floor tiles are wet.
Water poured from the pastor’s guitar as he lifted it from its case. The floor of the dining room below is covered
with wet debris. The contents of the
offices are destroyed. Historical Swedish
language records are gone. As people
carefully watched their steps, the shock and heartbreak was evident on their
faces.
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| Dining room |
Following
the walk through, Pastor David Schweppe led a discussion. A place for worship next Sunday was
determined and plans for Sunday school were made. The pastor prayed giving thanks to God and
asking for God’s guidance. The congregation
council met standing in a small circle in the beauty of a late summer evening. Decisions were made regarding the office and
phone. Plans for outreach were
affirmed. Being “homeless” would not
deter the evangelism plan. Before the
closing prayer, a car drove up and a man walked up but did not enter the
circle. He was the pastor of a local
congregation offering the United Church of Christ building for weddings and
funerals and whatever else Zion should need.
The
next couple of months will be challenging for the people of Zion. But, their spirit is good and their trust in
God’s grace is strong. I have promised
the people of Zion that we, as a synod, will walk with them in the coming months
as repairs are made and the building is cleaned. I have promised that we will pray for their
pastor and for them.
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| Looking toward the offices |
Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com
or comment on Facebook. --JC
