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It was the first Sunday service since vandals broke into the 151-year-old church last Sunday, breaking stained glass windows, slashing an 1898 painting of Jesus, smashing toilets and writing “666” on the floor. Nothing was taken except two bottles of communion wine, some communion wafers and half a bag of popcorn that the vandals snacked on.
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Pastor Paul Forde leads his congregation and visitors Sunday in service at Root Prairie Lutheran Church in Fountain, Minn. The 150-year-old church which was recently vandalized May 27 had the help of 100 volunteers Saturday to clean up the mess. Refreshments after the service were served outside instead of the community center in the basement. Slashes still remain on the 1898 painting of Jesus. (Photo by Paul Solberg/Winona Daily News) |
Usually, about 50 attend the service. Many came from neighboring churches, like Allen and Donna Aarsvold who are members of Arendahl Lutheran in rural Peterson, Minn.
“We wanted to show our support,” Donna Aarsvold said.
“It could happen to ours, too,” Allen Aarsvold said. “We’re thankful that it didn’t.”
Curtis and Polly Nash were married at the church May 12. The couple just got their wedding pictures back.
“I just wanted to cry,” Polly said.
She’s been going to the church for more than 20 years.
“This will just make us stronger,” she said.
Folding chairs helped accommodate the packed church, with stained glass windows being propped up to let a little fresh air and sunshine in. More than 100 volunteers helped clean up the church Saturday to help prepare for Sunday services.
“Wiping away the dirt and grime helped wipe away some of the anger and hurt,” Church President Loren Finseth told the congregation.
Faith and forgiveness were two of the themes of the service. Parishioners were asked to keep those responsible for the vandalism in their prayers.
“The amount of evil is so small compared to all the good in the world,” Pastor Paul Forde said. “This week we all become better, stronger people — both as individuals and as a congregation.”
A small quilt hung from a bulletin board, with patches that said “Be kind,” “Keep your promises” and “Forgive and forget.” In the center was a picture of six people holding hands that said, “We are the church.”
“The church is not a building,” Forde said. “The church is people.”
Contact Käri Knutson at kknutson@winonadailynews.com or (507) 453-3523.
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