By Rev. Renee FordOn 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/
Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the area that is most affected and see for myself the homes that are in need. One home had a work team from the United Church of Christ in the Frederick, Maryland area. They had successfully pulled out all the walls saturated with water which had created black mold and were beginning to work on the floors that had been damaged as well. Their goal for the week was to get the house ready for the next crew to come in and do plumbing and electrical work so that insulation and dry wall could be installed. Again, it is a slow process – one step at a time. 
There are many other homes in need of repair. Some won’t require as much work as this particular home, some that will also need to be gutted, and some that need debris and overgrowth removed from the outside.
