Temporarily Homeless

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.

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.

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.

Looking toward the offices

Comments?  Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook.  --JC