2 UMCs Burned, More Threatened in California Wildfires

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Editor's note: This is a developing news story and will be updated.

Jan. 10, 2025

UPDATE from California-Pacific Conference:

We continue to pray for everyone impacted by the wind and fires in Southern California. As we near the weekend, we’d like to lift up the following for specific prayers:

The buildings for Altadena UMC and Community UMC of Pacific Palisades were both lost to fires on Wednesday. Rev. John Shaver of Community UMC of Pacific Palisades also lost his home. Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Paige Eaves’ home was also lost to the Eaton fire in Altadena. We know that too many others in our congregations and communities have also lost their homes, and our prayers are with everyone as they mourn. God, please draw close to them.

We lift up the communities of Hollywod UMC Hollywod Campus, Sierra Madre UMC, La Cañada UMC, First UMC Santa Monica, Church of the Good Shepherd, and others who experienced evacuations this week and may not know when they will return home or have power.

We pray for the congregation of Church of the Foothills in Duarte and other churches that sustained damage from high winds this week.

Lord hear our prayer.

HOW TO HELP

MONETARY DONATIONS

We’ve set up a special fund – the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week. www.calpacumc.org/donate

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you’d like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

LOCAL DONATIONS

Two immediate needs are for high-capacity generators and bottled water. If you are local and have access to those or other items to donate such as masks, please contact Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org to coordinate.

VOLUNTEERS

Our Disaster Recovery Task Force is working with local agencies, and we will announce volunteer opportunities as they are identified. Opportunities to distribute water and personal protective equipment will be first, followed by support with sifting through affected areas.

LA COUNTY CHURCH SERVICES

Are you having regularly scheduled or special worship services this weekend? Please tag us in your social media posts so we can help spread the word about places to gather.

Cal-Pac Facebook: @umcCalPac

Cal-Pac Instagram: @calpacumc

SHARE YOUR NEEDS

Please share immediate needs from your communities with your District Superintendent or our Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry, Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org.

Jan. 9, 2025

United Methodist Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank issued this video statement Jan. 8 on Facebook regarding church damage from the wildfires spreading around the Los Angeles area.

As of Jan 9, Altadena UMC was reportedly burned to the ground.

Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades also was severely burned.

The annual conference is issuing updates via its Facebook page along with other social media and the conference website.

A message on the California-Pacific website read:

"We ask you to join us in praying for the safety and protection of residents, first responders, and structures. We know that you are looking for ways to help, and may be looking for resources as you navigate evacuations and loss. This post will be updated throughout this emergency with resources as they are available.

"Specifically, we ask that you keep the following congregations and communities in your prayers: Altadena UMC, Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, Hollywod UMC Hollywod Campus, Sierra Madre UMC, La Cañada UMC, and First UMC Santa Monica.

"As those who are evacuated seek shelter, several of our churches are open to provide safety, including:

  • Hollywood UMC, To request access, call or text Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner (415) 541-3260
  • Harmony Toluca Lake Campus, 4301 Cahuenga Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA 91602

"Please contact the church directly for information on the services they are offering. If your church is also open, please let us know by emailing afisher@calpacumc.org. We will continue to share opportunities to provide support and contribute to relief efforts as they are identified."