MINISTRY AMID THE FLAMES

When the Southern California Wildfires began, no one expected it would become such a large-scale disaster. The size and impact have been overwhelming, according to two LCMS pastors who are working with Lutheran Church Charities.
 
“It has completely taken us by surprise. We have been unable to get back into our community,” said Rev. Dr. Martin Lee, executive pastor of Palisades Lutheran Church in Pacific Palisades.

Palisades Lutheran remains standing, while other churches and structures have burned, yet the congregation will not be able to return there for at least six months. The church has worshipped in a joint service with Pilgrim Lutheran in Santa Monica and held services on the beach.
 
“We’ve been vanquished, so to speak. We’re exiled, refugees, without a home,” he said.
 
For Rev. Dr. John Palka of First Lutheran Church Venice, CA, the fires have been traumatic for the whole region of Southern California.
 
“We’ve heard over and over a sense of loss, dismay, and confusion,” Pastor Palka said. “It’s a trauma, a communal trauma.”
 
Both attended LCC Community Care Events in January and learned how to cope and respond in unprecedented circumstances.
 
“I had never been through a tragedy like this before. No one in my congregation had,” Pastor Palka said. “We’re so grateful that LCC is here to help us. They’ve been down this road before. They know the questions to ask. They know what we will be encountering and experiencing.”
 
Pastor Lee sees the Holy Spirit bringing the Body of Christ together.
 
“We pray for clarity of vision and purpose for our church. But not just our church. We see it as an opportunity to collaborate,” he said.
 
Palka agreed. “Darkness and tragedy are a part of life. But the light that comes to us during these tragedies is the light of Christ.”

For LCC to bring ongoing help and care for these California LCMS churches, we need help from the faithful, generous donors who are stepping up to support and give.
 
Help us continue to stay present and BE THERE to bring HOPE FOR THE HURTING with your financial gifts to the Southern California Fire Response Fund.
 
“The support you can offer right now will go directly to helping families and LCMS congregations like First Lutheran Venice and Palisades Lutheran,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer.

HELP LCC BRING HOPE FOR THE HURTING—SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRE RESPONSE