Fire at Kamloops United Church – Pacific Mountain Region

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Kamloops United Church has been impacted by a fire today, August 13, 2024.

What we know at this moment is that no one was injured in the fire, yet there is significant damage to the church building, including the sanctuary.

While the region will be working closely to support lay leaders and staff in the coming weeks, please keep our siblings in prayer as the congregation and the wider community of Kamloops begin to work through the shock of this news.

Tomorrow the cleanup will start and then rebuilding, yet today there is grief, sadness, frustration, and anger. On behalf of the Pacific Mountain Regional Council, I’d like everyone connected with Kamloops United Church to know that you are not alone. The Holy One is present, especially amid traumatic events. Your regional council and siblings in Christ will walk with you and support you in the days and weeks ahead.

Creator,
there are events in life that give us cause to pause and wonder what is happening to us.
Events that stir complex emotions of grief, frustration, anger, and disappointment, to name just a few.
Events where we want to point a finger and find someone, anyone, to blame for what has happened. Fires are like that. Fires are traumatic.
Things have gone up in smoke and we are left with the ashes.Holy One, bring comfort to those connected with Kamloops United Church as they hear the news of a fire in their church building, and as they begin to grapple with the implications.
Remind us that while things can burn, our discipleship is more than bricks and mortar.
Bring courage to those who will manage the process of the clean-up.
Bring a sense of resiliency to those who will rebuild.
Remind us that amid life’s storms, you are there to bring your calming presence into the chaos of our lives.
Wrap the supportive arms of our regional community around those directly affected by these events and, with time, nurture a vision of possibility, of faithful witness, of ministry to emerge, even amidst loss.
Amen.

Blessings,

Rev. Victoria Andrews
Acting Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain Regional Council