I posted a set of photos on Flickr. I can’t yet bear to post a big one here. Perhaps I can do that tomorrow. I am still greatly grieved over the loss of this beautiful building where we got married and baptized Livia, where we rejoiced over many weddings and mourned at many funerals. Zion was the physical hub of our community.

The true hub remains in God’s people. A building has fallen; the Church stands strong.

Here is an email Stu sent out this afternoon. It is worth posting:

Friends of Zion,

As most of you know by now the Zion building at 9th and D was consumed by flames early this morning. The building is a total loss, but Zion remains strong and steadfast, ready to follow her Savior.

Sunday service will be held June 10 at 12 noon at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 12th and M Streets (downtown). We are deeply grateful for their kind offer of assistance! We have been receiving many such offers and can be truly grateful for the Body of Christ in Lincoln. Their hearts are truly with us.

As she looked on the smoltering building Verna Damm noted that it was really ‘hard to see the church in such disrepair.’ Then without skipping a beat she reminded us that ‘Jesus is still on the throne.’ It is right to grieve over the memories lost; the baptisms, the weddings, the funerals, and the fellowship hold special memories for us all. But what is most important cannot be taken away. We believe in an Amighty God and a powerful gospel of grace. God’s purpose for us has not changed at all. We are called to be transformed by Grace and poured out for others. He will be glorified. What is important will remain, what is not must be left behind.

Pastor Tobey reminded us this morning that the most horrific event in history, the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus, was the turning point of history and the key to our salvation. God is not caught off guard by tragedy, He plans it. And He will use it for His glory and our good, burning away the dross and forming the character of Christ in us.

Pray that:

• Jesus would be honored in all we say and do.
• We would be attentive to God’s leading, and ready to follow.
• The two firefighters who were injured putting out the fire would be healed.
• We would be even more focused on our mission to proclaim and live out the gospel of Grace.
• That Jesus would use our tragedy to draw together the body of Christ in Lincoln.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Stu Kerns