ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 4, 2012
ELCA congregation returns home after Colorado wildfire evacuation
12-44-SC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- After spending several days evacuated from their
building and homes, members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in
Colorado Springs, Colo., were able to return to their church building
July 1 for worship. Christ the King's building sustained no damage,
although four of the congregation's families lost their homes to the
wildfire there.
The Rev. Julie Britsch, pastor of Christ the King, said in a
statement, "I thank God for all the prayers and look forward to
fellowship together. It is bittersweet and humbling to be able to reach
my home and the sanctuary."
The congregation held worship services on Sunday and gathered
afterward to make signs encouraging the emergency crews and community.
The congregation is also collecting gift cards to help families who still
remain displaced from the area.
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, an ELCA outdoor ministry which was also
evacuated after fires closed the road leading into the camp, was also
able to return to their facilities over the weekend.
ELCA Disaster Response is already working in the area to start
assessing and meeting the needs of affected communities. Plans to begin
holding Camp Noah for children who are dealing with the effects of the
natural disaster are also in the works.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
