A break-in, arson, and God’s mercy

Members of Riverbend Lutheran gather to worship in the rain outside their damaged church building.

EDMONTON – The middle of June 2023 saw the people of Riverbend Lutheran eagerly anticipating the return of their pastor from service as a military chaplain in Latvia. That welcome was marred by a break-in and fire. 

Fortunately, neighbours saw flames and called the fire department. Mercifully, the fire was out by the time the fire truck arrived and not a drop of water was needed. A cross had been taken down from the narthex wall and placed on the carpet along with a hymnal, possibly mistaken for a Bible. A fire was started there, and the perpetrators left. Extensive smoke damage throughout the building remained. Since then, two adults have been charged with hate crimes and the long process of restoration has commenced.

Worship on the first Sunday after the fire was set to take place on the lawn outside the church but the weather did not cooperate. A call for pop-up tents went out and about fifty soggy souls gathered in the rain. The resourceful tech team and music team provided sound, livestreaming, and music. Those who attended will never forget how good it was to worship despite the circumstances. God is good.

Since then, the congregation has worshiped across the street in the gym of a Catholic school. Attendance is growing and the various challenges have been met with quick responses and determined service. The preschool opened as scheduled in September, as the basement was not seriously affected. God’s Word continues to be proclaimed and the sacraments offered. With God’s help, the congregation hopes to be back in the sanctuary by Christmas.

Barbara Darrah

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