Faith Stronger than Fire

By Rev. Renee Ford

On September 14, 2024, Woodycrest United Methodist Church in the State College District faced a devastating fire that left the sanctuary and older parts of the building destroyed, with significant damage throughout. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, one thing is clear: Woodycrest’s faith and mission remain unshaken.

The story of Woodycrest UMC began in 1936, during the Great Depression. A small group of 18 charter members came together in their homes to worship and serve. Over the years, Woodycrest grew into a beacon of love and service, known for community events and ministries like the “Free for All” thrift store and the Little Free Pantry. Yet, on September 14, their legacy faced a severe test. The fire destroyed the sanctuary, leaving heavy damage throughout the building. Miraculously, the bushes outside the sanctuary, right next to the place where the fire started, burned but were not consumed—an echo of the burning bush in Exodus, a clear sign of God’s presence.

This moment reminds us of Moses standing on holy ground, confronted by a burning bush that was ablaze yet unconsumed. It was here that God’s voice called Moses into something greater. Today, we, too, stand on holy ground. The fire impacted Woodycrest UMC’s building, but it did not consume their spirit, hope, or mission. The predominantly working-class membership embodies a deep, resilient faith that reflects the spirit of Woodycrest’s people—a congregation that has always been about more than its building.

Less than 48 hours after the fire, Woodycrest gathered for an outdoor service on September 15. Now, as they continue to navigate this season of transition, the church has chosen to hold services in the township’s meeting room when we had several offers to worship in neighboring church facilities. This space is not just a temporary solution; it’s an opportunity to reach neighbors who have shown support and asked how they can help. It’s an invitation to welcome them into the faith community. Just as the Israelites wandered and waited while their temple was rebuilt, Woodycrest is embracing this time as a call to deeper connection and outreach with God and our neighbors.

The church is actively communicating its revitalization plan to the Susquehanna Conference, seeking permission to rebuild. This process is about more than restoring the building—it’s about renewal of faith and mission. As Moses asked, “Who am I to go forward?” and God responded, “I will be with you,” Woodycrest also finds strength in knowing they do not walk this path alone. Isaiah 43:2 reminds them, “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Pastors and church members who have faced similar trials understand that recovery is more than replacing walls; it’s about finding God in the flames and being transformed. The fire does not have the last word, and it will not. God’s presence, found even in the ashes and unconsumed bushes, points to a future full of hope and action.

Woodycrest UMC invites your prayers and support as they wander through this wilderness phase. This is not just a moment to rebuild the physical church but to strengthen faith and continue living out the church’s mission of love and service.

In this challenging season, Woodycrest UMC stands as a testament that the fire does not get the last word. God does. And just like Moses, the church responds: “Here I am, Lord.” Ready to rebuild. Ready to follow. Ready to stand on holy ground.

Website: woodycrest-umc.org/

Wood for Good

By Rev. James Jacobs

As Pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church in the State College District, I asked the parishioners to start thinking about out-of-the-box outreach opportunities considering the traditional methods of outreach didn’t seem to be working. 

The congregation wholeheartedly agreed and formulated an outreach team to come up with new, innovative, and different ways to reach out to our community. Two pages of ideas later several of those out of the box projects have been implemented, some worked and some didn’t.

An outreach program idea one of the parishioners came up with is called “Wood for Good”. 

This parishioner approached me with concern for the many people that heat their homes with firewood who either can’t go out in the woods to cut anymore, don’t have the availability of open forest lands to go cut in, or can’t afford to buy firewood. 

The parishioner (Craig) asked, “Do you think this is something we might explore?” Considering I believe that “empowered people do great things” I told the parishioner, “It’s your idea, you run with it and we will support you.”

Within 3 months we now have an established “Wood for Good” program. Craig tirelessly worked to formulate a detailed implementation plan, a safety plan, and wrote a grant to the Department of Agricultural which has a green heating imitative. The project received a $10,000 grant to purchase the equipment needed to implement the initiative.

Craig then formed a team of parishioners that have built firewood storage racks and contacted local landscapers and tree trimming companies that have agreed to deliver trees that have been cut down for use in the initiative.

A group of men and women from the church cut and split the donated wood each month.

We started collecting names of folks that would like to receive wood from the people that come to our church food bank. The need was clearly there and our list of folks that have requested support with free firewood is growing, not only from our food bank visitors but others in the community.

This initiative is a classic case of a parishioner coming up with an out-of-the-box-idea, the pastor empowering the parishioner to take charge, and we now have an initiative that is fulfilling a community need. The hands and feet of Jesus Christ...using a chain saw and wood splitter!