July 4, 2012

CHICAGO – 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.

ELCA News Service