May 27, 2011

CHICAGO – Members of Peace Lutheran Church, Joplin, Mo., are still in shock but "looking forward to what can be done and where God will lead us," said the Rev. William R. Pape, the congregation's interim pastor. A powerful tornado May 22 destroyed the congregation's building and a significant part of Joplin.

Since the storm, congregations and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have expressed support and offered assistance to Peace Lutheran, Pape said

"We have had a lot of calls from (ELCA) congregations wanting to help, concerned for us and saying their prayers are with us," Pape said. "It feels good – good to hear voices from people just saying, ‘you will make it through.'" Pape, who lost all of his vestments, books and Bible studies in the storm, said seminary classmates from many years ago have called to offer encouragement.

About 20 members of Peace Lutheran Church gathered May 26 for the first time since the storm. They met at the Missouri Southern State University campus in Joplin. Joining them were the Rev. Gerald L. Mansholt, bishop of the ELCA Central States Synod, Kansas City, Mo.; the Rev. Kevin L. Massey, director, Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA Disaster Response; plus others from Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri, St. Louis.

About six families' homes in the 100-member Peace Lutheran congregation were destroyed or severely damaged. No members were among the 126 fatalities in Joplin.

Peace Lutheran Church's regular Sunday worship service will be held this weekend in Peace's parking lot, Pape said. The congregation is talking with another Joplin congregation about the possibility of using its sanctuary for worship in coming weeks, he said. President Barack Obama will visit Joplin May 29, and plans are being made for a community memorial service.

Mansholt joined other religious leaders in a private meeting with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon in Joplin May 25, and saw the devastation first-hand. "I was overwhelmed by the amount of destruction. There was rubble in every direction that we turned," he said.

Mansholt said he prayed with members of Peace, reading from Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength." Members also told stories about the storm and its aftermath.

"We want the people to know that we're very grateful for the outpouring of caring and love and support that has been coming from all around the world and across the church," Mansholt said. "There is incredible loss and sorrow, and the church will be there to witness as the body of Christ with the people of Joplin." He also expressed thanks for the experience, expertise and witness of Lutheran Disaster Response and its affiliate, Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

The Rev. Janice E. Kibler, bishop's associate, ELCA Central States Synod, will represent the synod at Peace's worship May 29, Mansholt added.

Massey said the church will be involved with long-term recovery, volunteer coordination, construction and case management in Joplin, he said. Many have offered to help, but no volunteer help can be accommodated now. Volunteers will be needed in the coming months for clean up and rebuilding, Massey said.

"I was really touched by members of Peace," he said. "These are really courageous people. As we do our recovery it's important that we keep the local Lutheran community engaged. It's their recovery. This is truly their ministry in Joplin."

The building at Peace Lutheran Church is the second ELCA church building to be destroyed by a tornado in the past month. The building for Christ Lutheran Church, Cullman, Ala., was destroyed by April 27, when a series of tornadoes struck in southeastern states.

Gifts to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response will be used entirely to respond to the series of spring storms, including tornadoes and floods. Gifts may be contributed at http://www.ELCA.org/disaster/storms/, on the ELCA website. Gifts may also be contributed by calling 800-638-3522, or by mail to ELCA Disaster Response, 39330 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-9300. Please write "U.S. Severe Storms" on your check's memo line.

ELCA News Service