Early Friday morning, June 2, 2023, my phone lit up with messages from fellow pastors David Hansen and Richard Rhoades, informing me that there was a fire at Faith Lutheran Church in Dickinson.

The administrative wing was pretty much destroyed, although firefighters were able to keep the fire from going into the sanctuary. There is, however, smoke damage in the sanctuary, and the fire suppressant sprinklers went off, so they hadquite a bit of water as well.

The secretary, Cats, and interim pastor Paul Appel me that Trinity Episcopal reached out to them and offered the space for worship for the time being. Trinity also housed Faith after the flood. They just finalized their insurance last week. Sigh of relief there. They have vacation Bible school coming up June 19, and Trinity seems delighted to be hosting it.

KPRC did a great job of coverage, including interviewing church, member, Sue Leinert.

For the Click2Houston coverage with video, follow the link below:

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/06/02/multiple-fire-agencies-battling-fire-at-church-in-dickinson/?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

For KPRC initial coverage, click here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=662575479200708&set=a.124935182964743&type=3&mibextid=SDPelY

Many will remember that Faith suffered in Hurricane Harvey, 2017, flooding their sanctuary.

Congregations impacted by Hurricane Harvey

Today, June 4, 2023, Trinity Sunday, members of Faith Dickinson worshiped at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, just a couple of miles away. Holy Trinity has worship at 9:30 AM, the same time Faith does. Holy Trinity‘s pastor was ill, so faith ‘s Interim Pastor Appel was able to fill-in.

Sunday afternoon at 1:30 Pastor, Richard Rhoades, the Dean of the Coastal Bay Conference, and others will gather there to survey the damage and have prayer together. If you’re nearby, you are welcome to join us.

In the afternoon, a group of Faith members, local clergy, ecumenical friends, the sheriff’s department, and others gathered for mutual support and prayer. Pastor Richard Rhoades, Dean of the Coastal Bay Conference, set the table for our time. Interim Pastor Paul Appel offered encouraging words and provided leadership.

Faith council members showed outstanding leadership by responding promptly and casting a vision for recovery as well as ministry during the interim.

Paul, at First Galveston took these shots (and some of the shots above).

Pastor Tracey Breashears Schultz, Bishop Mike and Dean Rhoades
Interim Pastor Paul Appel and Dean Richard Rhoades from First Galveston

Evangeline Dai, our Synod disaster, ministry coordinator took these photos:

What can we do?

Faith members have been through a lot, and they know that they will get through this as well. For right now, you can include them in your prayers at home, and at church. In time, they may invite donations to help cover their deductible. If they do, we will let you know.