By Rev. Sheila Miranda
On Sunday, April 27, members of Ephrata United Methodist Church (in north central Washington) gathered to worship and reconsecrate their restored church building. Four years ago this month, a fire burned the narthex and office area of the building, with smoke and water damage extending throughout the entire building.
While the foundation, brick exterior, and interior wall studs remained intact, most of the building had to be gutted and rebuilt. The clean-up and rebuild began in 2021 in the aftermath of the COVID shutdown. Permitting, securing a contractor, and procuring building supplies took a long time and brought many delays.
During the rebuild process, the Methodist congregation worshipped at Memorial Christian Church, under the pastoral leadership of their shared pastor, Rev. Don Dunn, until that church closed last year. They then moved to the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Throughout the four years, the Methodist Church members faithfully cooked community dinners in the kitchen of a Pentecostal Church.
Rev. Sheila Miranda, PNW Associate of Connectional Ministries, delivered the dedication sermon. Her message centered on the lectionary readings for the day: Psalm 118 – Deliverance from Battle, and John 20 – the story of Thomas, the disciple who doubted that Jesus was alive until he saw with his own eyes. The fire and rebuild indeed felt like a battle for the Ephrata church members, with times of doubt and frustration. Yet, the words of the psalmist remind us that “God’s steadfast love endures forever” (Ps. 118).
Even in times of distress and fear, God’s love and help are with us. Our doubts can be overcome as we search for answers and trust in God’s provision. The faith of the Ephrata United Methodist congregation brought them through the rebuilding, and it is with them as they continue ministry in their community. The first worship service in their rebuilt sanctuary was held this past Christmas Eve. With finishing touches now nearly complete, Sunday’s formal reconsecration service and open house were a joyful celebration and an opportunity to welcome their community into the restored church. May we pray for Ephrata UMC as they move into the next era of their ministry.
Rev. Sheila Miranda serves as Assistant for Connectional Ministries for the Inland and Seven Rivers Missional Districts of the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.
