Beecher Memorial United Church of Christ

On our first work day half the group continued the gutting efforts at Beecher Memorial UCC. We were left with the difficult tasks of removing moldy panels and sheetrock from the "high" places. Ladders, short and tall, were a high commodity. On the church sign out front a sheet of paper had been inserted that said, "We are coming back." These statements offer evidence to the community commitment to rebuild. Without these signs you might never know this hope. The neighborhood feels desolate and the only signs of life are cars speeding by on the road.

My highlight was making the connection between a black couple, the Alexanders, who had worshipped with us at Good Shepherd on Sunday morning, and this church. Throughout the work day I could envision their community bringing life to the space that was now only studs and a roof. At the start of our work day, Alan told us this story. Right before the flood, the women's fellowship had prepared a luncheon. THe tables were set in the Fellowship Hall, plates, silverware and plastic cups. When the first work crew entered the building post flood, they found the pews in the sanctuary turned over and spewed everywhere. But in the Fellowship Hall, the tables were still set! Six feet of water held the floating tables and after the water receded the tables resettled to their previous stated, including plastic cups standing up! One table had floated away but the cloth and settings landed perfectly on the floor. Simply amazing! The table has been set...in the past, right now and forever more. Amen!

I was also in awe when I came across the huge baptismal font right below the cross and smack in the middle of the chancel- full immersion baptism!
Submitted by Shelly Dieterle