| Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church, Springfield suffered a devastating fire in the afternoon of Oct. 22. This ELCA congregation has been serving the needs of the people of Springfield for over 100 years. Recently we began a joint ministry with East Congregational Church (UCC). Together we are dedicated to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in our community. Both congregations worship at the Island Pond Road site the Congregationalists with a traditional service at 9 a.m. and the Lutherans with a contemporary/jazz liturgy at 11 a.m. A joint Christian Education Program for all ages begins at 10 a.m. Fun and fellowship enhance our ministries. Our programming was temporarily derailed when fire struck our sanctuary on Oct. 22. The chancel area was severly damaged a stained glass window depicting the triumphant Christ and our Casavant pipe organ were completely destroyed along with altar and pulpit furnishings. A Yamaha grand piano dedicated only two weeks prior was also destroyed. However, we rebounded quickly. The triumphant Christ window may be gone but the triumphant Christ is alive and well and working through these congregations even in terrible times. The community shared our grief and offered support. The people of St. Anthony's Marionite Rite Church offered the use of Cedars Hall for our meetings. This also housed the Make Way for Ducklings School, who were using the Bethesda building. The hospitality of the folks at St. Anthony's was gratefully received. Springfield College graciously allowed us to use the Marsh Chapel for several weeks and on Nov. 19 we returned to worship in Luther Hall at our Island Pond Road facility. The Make Way for Ducklings School had returned to the facility several weeks before. The post fire clean up continues. Water and smoke damage to the auditorium, the classrooms and office spaces is being coordinated by members of our congregations. The repairs to our sanctuary will take over one year to complete. Thrivent for Lutherans has offered to match one for any three fire restoration gifts. Further information may be had by calling Bethesda Lutheran Church at 733-4494. We are grateful to our community for the prayers and words of encouragement offered during this time. Continue to remember us. Pastor Duncan C. Hunter Springfield |
