When the Church Becomes a Place of Refuge

Summerland, B.C. — When a community is affected by crisis, the needs can seem overwhelming. During the recent fires in Summerland, B.C., members of Concordia Lutheran Church in Penticton found themselves asking a simple question: How can we help?

The answer took many forms.

After learning what was needed, Concordia members opened their homes to those needing a place to stay, gathered food and supplies, and opened the church building as a place of refuge. With air conditioning, bathrooms, a kitchen and Wi-Fi, the building provided a practical place for people who had been displaced or needed somewhere to regroup. The church, pastored by Rev. Michael Schutz, also made its parking lot available for campers and other vehicles and organized volunteers to be present at the building for several days.

But while these acts of care met important physical needs, Concordia’s members recognized that the church had something else to offer, something no relief organization could provide.

The Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

A few Concordia members live in Summerland, and the congregation was in contact with them early in the crisis. But many of those helped directly were members and friends of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Summerland, Concordia’s sister congregation in Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC).

That relationship became a particular blessing. The fire broke out on Friday evening (August 7). By Saturday, Concordia and St. John’s were already making plans, with St. John’s pastors, Rev. Jefrey Koenig and Rev. Scott Gamble, communicating the invitation for their members to join Concordia for Divine Service on Sunday, August 9.

Approximately 35 members and friends of St. John’s gathered with the Concordia congregation for worship and a luncheon afterward. What could have been a time of displacement and uncertainty became an opportunity for brothers and sisters in Christ to gather around God’s Word and receive His gifts together.

The timing of the Sunday readings seemed especially fitting. Over the previous two weeks, the Gospel readings from Matthew 14 had recounted Jesus feeding the thousands and then rescuing Peter as he struggled against the wind and waves. In both accounts, the Lord demonstrated His care for His people in their bodily and spiritual needs.

The congregation heard again the simple prayer of Peter: “Lord, save me!”

The hymns, chosen before the fire, took on new significance in the circumstances. Singing “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” alongside those who had experienced the uncertainty of the fire was particularly meaningful. So, too, was the opportunity to share the Lord’s Supper together.

Then there was lunch

On very short notice, Concordia members prepared dishes to share. As often happens when God’s people gather, there was more than enough. There were leftovers—and even additional food donations remaining after the meal.

It was a small but tangible picture of the church’s vocation to care for both body and soul.

Eternal Father, Strong to Save | Stanza 4

The pattern is familiar from Acts 2, where Christians shared with one another according to their needs while gathering around the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers. The church’s care is not limited to spiritual words, nor is its care merely material. Christians are called to love their neighbours in concrete ways while directing one another to the lasting hope found in Christ.

For St. John’s members, there was something especially meaningful about being welcomed not simply as people in need, but as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Concordia and St. John’s have an unusual and valuable connection: while each congregation has its own pastor, the congregations also share a pastor, Rev. Scott Gamble, who serves both part-time. Rev. Gamble became a natural link between the two congregations during this crisis, making communication and coordination easier.

Crises have a way of amplifying things: both difficulties and blessings. In this case, the fire amplified the Christian fellowship already shared between these LCC congregations.

As the circumstances remain difficult, the three pastors, together as one, repeated this shared worship once again on Sunday August 16!

While St. John’s may return to their church building next Sunday (August 23), Concordia is prepared to keep its doors open to its sister. Through the generosity of God’s people, the hospitality of His church, and especially the ministry of His Word and Sacraments, Concordia and St. John’s, and by extension, the rest of synod have been reminded of a truth that remains firm in every circumstance:

Christ’s Church is a community of care because Christ Himself cares for His people.

Thanks to Rev. Michael Schutz, LCC’s current VP and incoming West Regional Pastor, for providing the information needed to make this story possible, despite attending to the needs of both congregations.

Print this article