Tag: Church

INTERNATIONAL: UK Congregation targeted by vandals for second time in a month

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

St Margaret’s Church in Bowers Gifford, United Kingdom, was vandalized for the second time in one month. The incident occurred on Sunday, 24 November, shortly after the morning service.

The damage to the historic church includes a broken stained glass window, smashed vases, and a broken lectern. The church’s organ suffered extensive harm, with pipes removed and stonework thrown at it. The missing pipes have not yet been found. The estimated cost to repair the destruction is £15,000.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. According to Essex Police, stolen items were recovered during the investigation. The suspects were later released on bail while inquiries continue.

The congregation shared an update on its Facebook page, stating, “Our worst fears have happened again. This time the culprits were caught and arrested. We thank the community for their support and help tidying up this mess.” The post also announced that the church would remain closed for the foreseeable future. Services will instead be held at St Margaret’s Academy Community Room.

Police investigations are ongoing.

INTERNATIONAL: U.S. Church nearing end of restoration following arson

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AMY TURNER

A historic San Francisco, CA church, heavily damaged by a fire in March, is now just weeks away from reopening. However, recent heavy rains have presented new challenges, complicating the final stages of restoration.

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church caught fire earlier this year, with flames engulfing the building by the time firefighters arrived. The fire crews focused on battling the blaze from outside to safely control the flames and protect a neighbouring business. The church, a crucial community space, has been undergoing significant repairs ever since.

The fire, which is believed to be an act of arson, left the congregation without a worship space for over two months. During this time, services have taken place outdoors, despite unpredictable and often poor weather conditions.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, St. John the Evangelist serves as a daytime refuge for people experiencing homelessness. The fire temporarily disrupted this vital service, forcing those who rely on the church’s shelter to seek alternatives while repairs were underway.

Despite these setbacks, the church’s leaders remain optimistic. They are determined to finalize the restoration in the coming weeks, aiming to reopen just in time for Christmas.

INTERNATIONAL: Pastor T.D. Jakes Receives Medical Attention After Sermon

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AMY TURNER

Pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a “slight health incident” while delivering a sermon on Sunday at The Potter’s House, his megachurch.

The 67-year-old religious leader was seen pausing and shaking during his hour-long message, prompting several individuals to approach him on stage. Social media footage captured the moment.

The church posted a statement on X saying, “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community.”

The Potter’s House, founded by Jakes in 1996 and boasting over 30,000 members, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers.

Jakes, who is also an author, film producer, and was a speaker at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, leads a non-denominational church with campuses in Texas and Colorado.

INTERNATIONAL: Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest Dies at Age 104

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JEFF TURNER

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Nigeria announced the death of Right Reverend Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, who passed away on November 24, 2024. At 104 years of age, Msgr. Oleghe held the distinction of being Nigeria’s most senior Catholic priest.

Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Auchi Diocese confirmed that Msgr. Oleghe died in the early hours of Sunday morning at 2:30 a.m. The Diocese plans to hold funeral services for the late priest on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The announcement came through an official statement from the Diocese of Auchi, located in Nigeria’s Edo State. Bishop Dunia shared the news with the Catholic community through both formal channels and social media.

The Diocese of Auchi made preparations to honour Msgr. Oleghe’s life through a funeral service, acknowledging his lengthy service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

This news marks a significant moment for the Catholic community in Nigeria, as Msgr. Oleghe’s age and position made him a notable figure in the country’s religious history.

INTERNATIONAL: Deliberate Fires at United Methodist Churches in Pennsylvania

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JEFF TURNER

(Photo courtesy Woodycrest United Methodist Church)

Two fires that occurred this fall at United Methodist churches in Centre County, Pennsylvania, were set deliberately, according to a U.S. federal agency. On Friday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), part of the U.S. Justice Department, confirmed that both incidents are being investigated as acts of arson. The agency is collaborating with police in Patton Township and Pennsylvania State Police on the investigation.

Details about the fires remain limited due to the ongoing inquiry, and Patton Township Police have not provide a statement..

The first fire happened at Woodycrest United Methodist Church in Patton Township, Pennsylvania. The fire, which broke out on September 14, caused serious damage to the sanctuary. The building was heavily affected by fire, smoke, and water damage, leading to its closure. A firefighter from Alpha Fire Co. received minor injuries to his hand and was treated at a local hospital. No one was inside the church when the fire began. Woodycrest, which was constructed in 1936 and has about 50 members, is now seeking donations to aid in the rebuilding process.

Pastor Renee Ford emphasized on the church’s website that despite the destruction of the physical building, the community remains strong. “We always say the church is not a building; the church is the people,” Ford stated, highlighting that the congregation’s work will continue despite the loss.

The second incident occurred in October at the former Fillmore United Methodist Church. The building, which had not been used as a church for several years and was functioning as a recreation centre, suffered a partial roof collapse. Investigators suspect arson since the fire seemed to have started outside the building. There were no injuries, and the building was empty at the time of the fire.

Authorities have not confirmed if the two fires are related.

Woodycrest United Methodist Church has established a Church Restoration Fund to collect financial contributions. The donations will go towards expenses not covered by insurance during the rebuilding process. The church is also requesting prayers and seeking volunteers to help with recovery efforts. Specific needs for volunteers will be updated on the church’s website as the restoration progresses.