Three Peerys in a Pod: Fire

Yesterday was a sad day for us and our church family. Our sanctuary caught on fire. News traveled fast and far. I was getting texts midday from friends near and far to notify me, check in, and offer prayers.

The damage to the building is devastating. This was a big event around here. The road in front of our church was closed down. It's a main road, like one of the biggest in all of Greenville. I was reading emails and Facebook posts throughout the day yesterday and today and it's a sad time for us. I can't wrap my head around it. Thomas actually drove by today to see what the building looks like. I think the word "jarring" sums it up pretty well. There have been so many memories made there - weddings, confirmations, funerals and baptisms.

We are currently going through a renovation and our sanctuary has been under construction since the beginning of January. We've been having services in our gym until the sanctuary is usable again. Our plan and goal was to be back in the renovated sanctuary by Easter. I'm sure that will change now, in light of the circumstances.

The reason that we're renovating is due to our BEYOND initiative. We're growing, our congregation is expanding, so we're outgrowing the building, and in addition, we recognize that there are a lot of people in our direct community that don't have a church family yet. We want to make room for them to join us. It was time for expansion. What a great thing! Especially at a time when church membership numbers are dwindling. We're proud to be part of church that is growing.

The Youth sprung to action and made this sign last
night to show their support. The finished product referenced
Romans 8:18
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
comparing with the glory that will be
revealed within us."

There are several reasons that we can look on the bright side of this devastating event that took place yesterday.

No one was hurt. Not one person. All the kids that attend preschool there, all church staff, and all construction workers were uninjured. Praise be to God.
Since the building was under construction, there was nothing in it. It's just a building. All the pews, hymnals, instruments, etc had previously been moved to another location.
This is an awesome reminder that our "church" is not a building. It's the congregation. It's the people. It's the community. This is one of those things that is going to bring our church closer together and it will strengthen us.
Our mission is fishin'. That's a slogan that is used a lot at our church (and a big part of the reason that we're expanding). We want to invite others and be a welcoming place for anyone and everyone that needs a church home. I do feel like all the publicity, news coverage, and social media attention helps get the word out about our church and how amazing it is. It's very possible that someone that does not attend church, or hasn't found a church that has spoken to him/her will see our pastor on the news, will hear stories about our prayer vigil and will see the love that surrounds our church - any one of those things could be the catalyst that encourages that person to visit us this Sunday or a Sunday in the future.
The cross that hung over the altar was undamaged. It's one of the few things that wasn't completely destroyed. It's been a part of our church since it was first established in 1988 and in our original sanctuary. It will be a part of our new sanctuary once it's build. We will be so proud of that wooden cross.
There are a lot of prayers being extended towards our church right now. Bonus points. Prayer is a powerful thing.