ELCA Congregations Recover From Fire

ELCA CONGREGATIONS RECOVER FROM FIRE

Two Nebraska congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America suffered heavy damage from fires in the middle of the
night.  An arson fire caused an estimated $850,000 in damage to
the administrative section of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Omaha,
Neb., Feb. 6.  Police and fire investigators believe the fire was
set "to cover up a break-in" through a window in the office
section.  No one was hurt.  Insurance will cover about 90 percent
of the cost of rebuilding and cleanup of the areas damaged by
smoke.  The congregation expects that the new wing will be
completed in three to four months.  The parsonage of First
Lutheran Church, McCool Junction, Neb., burned Feb. 8.  The Rev.
Anne C. Rosenquist awoke, smelling smoke, and went to a
neighboring home to call the fire department.  A blaze broke out
in the house before the firefighters could arrive.  The reason
for the fire is unknown.  The exterior structure of the parsonage
was deemed sound, and rebuilding will be completed in six weeks.
Rosenquist escaped injury.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html