The Day After
We are just beginning to assess the damage and regroup. Our leadership is in constant communication throughout the day to address many issues, including a possible date and time to gather, worship and console one another.
We have established this webpage in order to communicate with our
congregation and community. As information develops, we will post it
here.
Thank you to the many people, churches and groups who have sent prayers and offers of support. We feel strongly that God is with us, that our church remains vibrant and that we will continue in His grace.
Thank you to the many people, churches and groups who have sent prayers and offers of support. We feel strongly that God is with us, that our church remains vibrant and that we will continue in His grace.
53 Comments
For more information about MPC, please email us at:
info@malibupres.org
Many have been asking how they may financially support Malibu
Pres. We deeply appreciate any contribution.
All donations may be sent to:
Malibu Presbyterian Church, 3324 Malibu Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265.
Fellow Presbyterians,
I am the music director at Escalon Presbyterian Church in Escalon California. Please know that we are praying for your church and community. God Bless!
JOEL ADAMS
My husband & I attend Bel Air Presbyterian Church -- when we found out the news, we were in complete awe! Please know that you are all in our thoughts & prayers, and that God is more powerful that anything!
Blessings to Malibu Presbyterian Church~
James & Karin Gorton
Dear MPC Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about MPC this morning, my former church home. Such memories have been coming back to me all day. To those I knew when attending there, and to those I do not know, please know my prayers are with you all. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Debbie (Berko) Jeffreys
Monday October 22, 2007
Dave Worth, former Malibu Pres Pastor, used to say that broken windows and chairs are the cost of doing ministry.
I spent many hours in those buildings with many wonderful people during my 5 years as youth pastor. I'm still in shock these last few days...
While the cost of this tragedy is great, may you rebuild with a renewed passion and hunger for ministry. Many around you will receive hope and courage from you in these days...
Brian Tippitt
Our pastor , Rob Perkins, told us about the loss of your beloved church.
Know that we are praying for you.
Your brothers and sisters in Christ in Boston mourn with you in the loss of your church.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.: 2 Corinthians 1:3
May you sense God's presence, love, compassion and comfort.
You will rebuild.
Entrusting you to Him,
The Newton Presbyterian Church congregation
Dear Greg and Michael:
We are praying for you and your people. Our hearts are crushed as we witness the devestation but we are grateful that you both are there with your staff and leaders to share Christ with those who suffer much because of this fire. May God give you wisdom and discernmnet, strength beyond you dreams, and courage to love beyond all bounds. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let us know.
God Bless,
Bill Mangrum
We are so sorry to hear about your church being destroyed. We will lift you up in prayer and trust God to carry you through this difficult time. Faith United Presbyterian Church
Washington, PA
Your brothers and sisters in Christ from University Presbyterian Church in Seattle remember the Malibu congregation in prayer. May all be safe and delivered through this terrible fire and loss of a great building.
Mike,
Your seminary classmates at PTS are holding you and your church in our thoughts and prayers. We saw you on the news. May God provide many blessings.
Gail
My Mother and I were deeply saddened to hear of the damage to Malibu Presbyterian. While we left the area about 15 years ago it will always hold a fond space in our hearts.
I was baptized there and attended Sunday school throughout my childhood with my brother. My parents renewed their vows in a beautiful ceremony there as well.
Our prayers are with you!
Lord, bless the congregants and staff of this fine church and keep them in your care as they assess and rebuild in your name. Father, you give and take away but your grace abounds and is sufficient! Your will be done...
from a Presbyterian sister
Dear Friends, All of us at Mililani Presbyterian Church (Hawaii) are keeping you in our prayers. Our hears ache at the news of your loss but our spirits soar in the knowledge that "the Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." Love and Aloha In Jesus, Jim Tweedie, Pastor
You are all in my prayers. God bless and keep you.
From one representation of God's people to another, we are keeping you in prayer during this exceedingly difficult time. Be encouraged by Scripture...God works together all things for the good of those who love Christ!
We love you all,
Neil Schori
Naperville Christian Church
You are in our prayers. Our God will give you more abundant blessings and harvest. Press on. God is with us!
I would like to help, but I need to know MPC affiliation, first. It is "...Presbyterian Church, USA", Presbyterian Church in America?, and so on and so forth.
Also, how big is the Congregation? or how many congregants and how many members?
The answers are important. I am a member of West Park Presbyterian Church in New York City. From the news we know that MPC suffered fire damage. But, no details. Besides monetary donations, what are your needs? pews?, light fixtures, etc., etc., The Senior Pastor, Reverend Dr. Robert L. Brashear and the Session (Board of Elders) will respond to specifics, not to generalities. I know. I was one of them until several months ago..
Pastor Greg and the Malibu congregation... My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sunday afternoon, when my 5 year old daughter and I heard that the church had been destroyed by a fast moving fire, my heart sank. What a terrible loss! As a young widow and frequent visitor of the church, Malibu Presbyterian, has always been a warm, friendly, comfortable place to worship. If you need volunteers to assist in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us. vballsharpe@gmail.com
Traci and Siena Sharpe
I am sorry for the loss of your church, You are In my prayers. I make stained glass windows for churches, If there Is somethin I can do for you, or your church, please let me know. God Bless.
www.southernartglassco@yahoo.com
Pastor Greg and congregation,
It is still hard for our family to believe that the church burned down. We read it, we see it, and our friends tell us, but we are still in a state of denial. Our return to the faith began on at a Christmas Eve service at Malibu Presbyterian over twelve years ago. We got out the footage of that night and it brought tears to eyes.
I know, it's just a building. But it is also something dear to our hearts. We know you will rebuild, recover, and turn this event into God's purpose. We know. But our hearts are sad, our prayers are with you, and our memories more precious than gold...
Much love,
The Solie Family
I was at the NYWC in San Diego when I heard about this and my church in Tanoma, PA (outside of Pittsburgh) will be praying for you.
Greg, it is Pat from Beeson DMin seminars. I am praying for you, your family, and the people of Malibu Pres. May God give you wisdom and strength to press on in the face of this incredibly trying time for everyone in the area. Let me know if I can be of help in any way. Blessings to you all!
Dear brothers and sisters at MPC, we are with you through our ongoing prayers. This part of the Body up north hurts with you in the south. We know the Lord is walking with you every step of the way.
Rev. Graig Flach
Lake Grove Presbyterian Church in Oregon
This is a difficult time for everyone in your region. Our prayers and support are with all of you.
Peace of Christ,
Rev. David Williams
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Bethesda, Maryland
I am a member of First Presbyterian Church in Rockaway, New Jersey. I can't imagine what you must be going through. It breaks my heart. May the strength of God and His love be with you all. You are in my prayers.
Vail and I were married in Malibu Presbyterian Church in 1980 by Dave Worth. Our son Chris was baptized there. We have very fond memories of our service to the Lord at Malibue Pres. as Deacons and Elders. It is hard to fathom the grief you are currently feeling at the loss of the church structure. However, remember that God's true church are his people. You guys are truely blessed to have the spirit of the Lord with you as a community church serving all of Malibu.
Vail and I will be praying for you at this time of need and will ask the session of our church Trinity Presbyterian Church in Camarillo, CA. to provide support in your recorery process.
In Christ,s Name
Bill and Vail Trester
Greg and Kay,
Greg and Kay it is Jenny (Nielson) Andrade from Idaho and former Community Presbyterian Member in Ventura. Our prayers are for you and your congregation during your time of need. May the Lord strengthen and uphold you.
Greg, we covered you guys in prayer this past Sunday, the friends of community presbyterian church in littlerock, ca will continue to pray for you and the families affected by the fires.
Please know that we are praying for you and your Malibu neighbours. Your brothers and sisters of faith from all over Canada are saddened to hear of all the loss going on there. Know that God will be with you and comfort you all.
Ian
Burns Presbyterian Church,
Ashburn, Ontario, Canada
Just why does J. Cintron need to know this church's affiliation? This isn't the time to question that, shame on you!
So sorry you're going through this. Best wishes
Greg and Kay,
I am grieved for your losses but also so very proud for your clear, faithful, statements to the press. Who would think that the whole world would hear of your stedfast hope in God's faithfulness! This morning I was thinking about that other fiery furnace -- then, as now, there is indeed a fourth man walking . . . and he is "like unto the Son of God".
You remain in my prayers -- can I help in any way?
Blessings and love,
Marilee (Jay's mom)
Dear Brothers & Sisters of MPC,
Know that the whole of the PCUSA are weeping for and with you. But more importantly, remember this: we are praying with and for you.
When this is over, you may have to change your name to the Phoenix PC of Malibu. Under the annointing of the Spirit, your church will rise again and serve once more as a beacon of Christ's light to the community.
Know that you are not alone. Know that Christ is with you all. May you be strong in your faith and may each of your members see the daily, small miracles and hear the still yet small voice of God in the midst of this chaos.
Our prayers will be with you...
Bethany Presbyterian Church
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Greg,
All that comes to mind is the old Negro spiritual, "The Storm is Passing Over"... this, too, shall pass in the days ahead. The work will be long, slow, frustrating, challenging and joy-filled. You will all come out of this in God's time... But, for now, many, many hearts grieve for you and all the others who have lost so much in these devastating fires. God be with you in your leadership and with your congregants as you drum up the faith, hope and courage to go forward! Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Rutland, Vermont!
John Weatherhogg
Grace Congregational UCC
Rutland, Vermont
We pray with you and the Malibu community with the knowledge that Christ is sufficient. Sorry for your losses which cannot be replaced but we're hopeful for your future that the Lord will reveal.
Revs Lindsey and Robbie Carnes
First Presbyterian Church South Bend, IN
We were devastated to see the church burning on Sunday morning. Pastor Greg married our son and daughter-in-law and our grandchild, Kaitlyn, was baptised in the church. We have pictures and fond memories of that time. Our prayers are with you in your time of rebuilding.
Even though I have moved up to northern CA, I still consider Malibu Pres. to be my home church. I have so many wonderful memories from worshipping at MPC and especially working with the jr. high and sr. high youth group. I confidently pray that many more wonderful memories will be made there for the staff and congregation through the rebuilding process.
-Kim Williams
It is really beautiful to see brothers and sisters from all over the country responding with prayer and so much love. Jer. 33:6 "I'm going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I'm going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings." (The Message) This is my prayer for our church!
Friends, we are praying for all the decisions that need to be made by our our former brothers & sisters there who remain on the Deacon board, and for our friends on the Elder board as well.
It's sad to see our Church home for so many years, where we were nurtured in college, married, and helped work alongside others, go up in flames.
But already we're seeing evidence through the church's witness to the world of God's word in Romans 8:28, that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, and who are called according to His purpose." May God bless you.
-Aaron & Jeanette Pankratz
Hello Christain Family... Saw the horrible site of your beautiful Church in flames. My heart goes out to each one involved during the sad times. But like the good book says, Trust in the Lord, and Beleive, and all things are possible. You are a strong family in Christ, and I know that your New Church Home with be better and have the same wonderful sprit that you once had. With love in Christ, and thinking of you-all. Phillip Huggins Charlotte NC
The prayers of Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon, Ohio are with you. Deep, deep peace to all of you.
Kerri & Jeff Peterson-Davis
Co-pastors
(California natives)
May the peace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you in the midst of it all... I hope you can sense the prayers and support from your sisters and brothers around the world (and yes, including NE Ohio). Your faith in the midst of the tragedy is a witness far beyond Malibu canyon.
Peace, friends...
Jeff Peterson-Davis
Co-Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church
Solon, Ohio
(and college classmate of Greg)
Greg, my old Youth Pastor;
My family and I are praying for you, your family and congregation, may the Lord strengthen you as you and your church rise from the ashes.
Josh Rowe
Chico, Ca
(Formerly of Good Shepherd Presbyterian in Los Alamitos)
Dear friends in Christ,
My prayers are with you during this terrible time for your community. Please know that you are not alone, and may the Peace from God be with you as you begin the building process. What a beautiful congregation, as I read other post. You will be stronger than ever!!
I am a member of the Central Presbyterian Church Choir in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We added your church to our church's prayer list tonight. May God's shalom be with you now and always.
Your Church has not been destroyed..just your building. You are Christ's Church, and through His grace and mercy you will persevere! The Lord is stronger than anything this world throws at us, and his Church will never be destroyed!
From a fellow Christian :-)
As a recent past staff member...this has revealed to me that God truly works in mysterious ways.
A brief testimony:
While I was hired for a part time 'interim' position at MPC no end date was set nor mentioned to me. So when I was informed of my termination and asked to vacate immediately I was unprepared. This was Friday October 20th. Fortunately, MPC blessed me with a generous severance pay that was to cover 'time worked' until the end of the year.
That night and Saturday as I reflected, I simply felt in many ways that I had been so greatly blessed by God through MPC over the whole duration of my time there.
Suddenly, Sunday morning, I am told that MPC had burnt down. I could NOT believe it...the whole significance of what happened to me on Friday became so much deeper.
God is omnicient, all-knowing, and all powerful. I've never personally witnessed this more than I have this past week.
In no way does my testimony reflect my sadness and condolences for the wonderful people I've worked with, served with, and met while at MPC. My deepest sympathies to those who invested so much of their lives for over so many years into this local body and building.
Malibu Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, generous, and interesting organization.
I currently remain committed to the Legacy Campaign pledge I made in the spring and pray God provides so that I may fulfill it.
May God Bless the ordained restructuring of Malibu Presbyterian Church!!!
Even here at FPC Richmond, VA, I feel so connected to you. My cousin's son graduated from Pepperdine, and when visiting him, they attended Malibu Presbyterian - his church while at college. You were warmly remembered in our correspondences. My heart goes out to you with prayers for strength to face what the future holds.
Hi all,
I may have moved far away but my heart will always be in Malibu and with teh church there. My family helped build (I am told) the church back in the '40's, I began going to preschool there in the mid '60's and went to high school youth group in the early '80's.
My prayers and the prayers of our congregation are with you during this challenging time.
Sandy Hull
Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church
Jenkintown, PA
I have been following the news and keeping you in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for your church.
Blessings,
Carol Reed
Pastor, Calvin Presbyterian Church
Long Lake, MN
Dear Pastor Greg, and Church Family:
On behalf of Saddlebck Church here in O.C.
and including Stacey and myself, you already know that we are praying for you, your family, and each member and visitor, past/present, of your beloved home church.
God has his purposes in all of this and we are privileged to stand with you all the way, until it is rebuilt in His honor and glory.
In Love,
David & Stacey Pack
Saddleback Church
Lake Forest, Calif.
Dear Pastor Greg and congregation,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.What beautiful words of hope your pastor has given--that was a sermon in itself.We are the church not the buildings!! We all have to be reminded of this,but as humans it still hurts when we lose the building. (Christmas eve a few years ago --Alger Park Christian Reformed Church had a fire which gutted out the church.My own church--Bethel CRC also had a small fire in the basement that year.On another Christmas eve Ridgewood CRC had a major fire!!)All of these churches have risen up and rebuilt after these fires.They were strengthened through the adversity.You probably never heard of these fires in Grand Rapids, Michigan. God uses us to rise above these situations.These fires are a reminder to all of us to BE ON FIRE FOR THE LORD wherever we are!!
In Christian Love,
Ken and Pat 7'sma Diekevers
Zeeland, Mi
Grace & Peace!
...i just drove by the buiding two days ago...my heart cried!But i know that God will do greater things.
"Quem sai andando e chorando,enquanto semeia, voltara com jubilo, trazendo os seus feixes." Psalms 126:6
Brazil is praying for you're!
SHALOM!