IRWIN, Pa. — Nearly a week after severe storms forced Irwin First United Methodist Church to close, members of the congregation gathered outside Wednesday evening to pray for their church and others facing a long recovery.
“We are gathered here tonight in the midst of a difficult time in our church and also our community,” Rev. Hyung-Suk Joe said as the vigil began.
Last Thursday’s storm caused sewage to flood the church’s entire lower level.
Church secretary Kendra Ondish said the water contaminated the gym, walls, and everything else it touched.
“We are very community-involved, and our entire church is closed, so many people are depending on us and they have nowhere to go,” Ondish said.
A community food pantry, recovery meetings and a senior center are among the services disrupted until further notice.
For Sandra Daugherty, who has worshipped at the church for more than 40 years, the loss is deeply personal.
“It means everything. My church is my life,” Daugherty said.
More than a dozen people attended Wednesday’s outdoor vigil.
The pastor led several prayers and observed moments of silence as the group lifted up families, organizations and neighbors dealing with their own storm damage.
Church member John Weber said the service also marked his return to the congregation after being unable to attend for at least two months.
“The service, I thought, was wonderful,” Weber said. “I haven’t been able to come to church for about two months at least, and when asked, I said, ‘Sure, let’s go.’”
The church is now looking for another place to hold Sunday services.
Leaders are also considering gathering outside in the parking lot, as the congregation did Wednesday.
Some members are already looking forward to the day they can return to the sanctuary and reconnect with the people they consider family.
“Walk in on Sunday morning and say, ‘Hey, how are you? Are you still on my prayer list, or do I cross you off?’” Daugherty said.
The church does not know when its doors will reopen.
Information about donating to its restoration efforts can be found at https://irwinfirstumc.org/. Click “Tithely-Online Giving.”
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