A fire, likely caused by a gas-line eruption, burned the back end and portions of the basement of the historic Timnath Presbyterian Church in Timnath, Colorado.
On August 8, 2009, contractors working on street construction struck a natural gas line located on the south side of the church. The gas line ruptured in two spots, including a location beneath an entrance on the south side of the building.
The escaping gas located an ignition source and started a fire outside the church, followed by an explosion and fire inside the church.
Areas most impacted
The Timnath session met on August 11, 2009 to discuss the situation. Insurance adjusters and structural engineers have been on the premises to do an assessment. Preliminary reports are that much of the building will likely have to be demolished and rebuilt. It’s possible that the historic sanctuary building sustained more damage than is originally thought.
This congregation is a major presence in Timnath, and this event has had a traumatic impact on the entire community.
PDA Response
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) provided One Great Hour of Sharing funds, and the Reverend John A. Robinson, Associate for National Response, made a pastoral call to the Reverend Ken Gorman, pastor of Timnath Presbyterian Church.
The installed Executive Presbyter Dan Saperstein for the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks, who was on sabbatical, worshiped with the congregation the Sunday following the disaster to show his personal support and that of the presbytery. Acting Executive Presbyter Richard H. Craft encouraged inquirers to pray and was in regular conversation with church leadership.
What you can do
You can stand in the gap for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, cleanup provisions, long term and unmet needs, and spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site, or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000015–U.S. Disaster Response.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT. Stay informed and share information on the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA-RIN email notices to alert you of additional needs.
PRAY. Please continue in prayer for the members and leadership of the Timnath Presbyterian Church and for the community of Timnath, Colorado. |
