Hope in uncertain times
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Fire damage to the Fellowship Hall of our church campus. The fire, which is under investigation, was started on Sunday evening, September 13th, 2020.
Fire in the Fellowship Hall
On Sunday evening, September 13th, 2020, a fire was set outside of our Fellowship Hall. Tacoma Fire Department arrived on scene, but by the time the smoke had cleared, our community gathering space was a total loss. But, thanks to the efforts of the firefighters, our Sanctuary (worship space) and other parts of our campus were spared from the blaze. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
The charred remains of tables and chairs can be seen in what remains of the burnt out Fellowship Hall.
Our Fellowship Hall was not just a place for gathering for coffee or lunch after worship. Many programs and group meetings, including Boy Scouts and AA, take place in this shared space. While COVID-19 has hampered activities around the church campus, the congregation was weeks away from bringing back our hot meal program on Wednesdays, which not only serves students from nearby Birney Elementary School, but also those in need in the surrounding community. The Food Pantry would also have been re-opened within the coming months. Unfortunately, the fire has further pushed back our plans to get back to what we love doing, which is serving God and serving our neighbors.
Volunteers board up the burnt out Fellowship Hall.
Thankfully, the community, including folks we have never met before, have sprung into action. The following day, volunteers worked to quickly board up the burnt out Fellowship Hall to help keep the building secure. Materials were donated by Samdal Construction Interior & Millwork. Others have called and corresponded over Social Media asking what they can do to help our faith community.
With the fire at our church campus, the wildfires raging on the West Coast, the public health emergency caused by COVID-19 and the economic hardship we are all facing, these are surely difficult and uncertain times in our lives. But, no matter what is going on, no matter what trials may come our way, our hope is in the name of the LORD.
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” - Psalm 91:1-4 (NRSV)
How you can help
Pray for the person(s) who started this fire, that they may find peace with Jesus Christ and with themselves, and be brought to justice before any other person or organization suffers hurt or loss
Pray for the congregation of United Lutheran Church, our pastor and our leaders
Volunteer to help with cleanup and other needs around the church campus (contact the office)
Make a financial contribution to the rebuilding efforts and to the greater ministries of United Lutheran Church by sending a check to the church office or by donating via PayPal.
United Lutheran Church
1231 S 76th St.
Tacoma, WA 98408
Church office phone: (253) 475 - 3175
Church office email: unitedlutherantacoma@gmail.com
In the meantime…
We invite you to find out more about who we are as a neighborhood Christian church in Tacoma’s South End, and we invite you to fully participate in all we do in service of God and neighbor, including joining us for worship online.
Head over to our Welcome and What We Believe pages.