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October 5 , 2023 The Beacon • 23
Pastor leading Grace UMC through its tough times
Submitted
Pastor Deb Quillen has experienced a situation most pastors only hear about . A lightning strike hit Grace Church on May 20 , 2022 , and caused a fire that destroyed the sanctuary and main part of the building .
Since her appointment to Grace United Methodist Church in 2021 , Pastor Deb Quillen has experienced a situation most pastors only hear about . A lightning strike hit Grace Church on May 20 , 2022 , and caused a fire that destroyed the sanctuary and main part of the building .
In the 16 months since that day , Quillen has led the Grace congregation and kept them working together , especially in the early days after the fire when members were wondering what was next for the congregation . Quillen reminded her congregation the physical building is not the church , but the people are the church .
Quillen has dealt with insurance companies , companies that clean up a site after a fire , and now is helping the Grace Church members work with a contractor and architect on plans for the rebuilding of what was lost to the fire . If not touched by fire , much of the whole building encountered water and smoke damage , and much of the Grace Church building needs to be restored in some way .
Currently , Grace Church appreciates the ability to rent space at the Presbyterian Church located just two blocks from the Grace Church site . This keeps the Grace congregation worshiping together close to where they used to worship and where they hope to return . The two congregations have worked out a plan to share the Presbyterian building during this time when the Grace members don ’ t have a building .
Recently , some of the building permits were approved , and the rebuilding of Grace Church should be starting in the near future . Quillen and the Grace Church Leadership Council recently launched a prayer card program throughout the congregation , asking people to read the scripture in the Bible from the book of Matthew chapter seven , verses 24-27 . This scripture talks about the wise builder who built a house on bedrock , and it did not fall when floods came and winds blew because it was firmly set on bedrock .
Using the scripture reference of Matthew 7:24-27 , Quillen is asking the congregation to stop what they are doing from 7:24-7:27 p . m . each evening and pray the following prayer : “ Lord , we pray for the rebuilding of Grace . Be with those who work to raise walls and repair what was lost to fire . We also pray you would be with us in the rebuilding of our church family . May your hand guide us , protect us and strengthen us to do your work in Coshocton . We pray this in the name of Jesus , the carpenter and our risen Savior . Amen .”
The Grace Church congregation wants to recognize Quillen for her leadership in a challenging time and let her know she is appreciated , especially during Pastor Appreciation Month in October . Grace Church encourages all local churches to always remember their pastoral staff , especially during this month . They also invite local churches to join them in the above prayer for the rebuilding of Grace Church .
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