The First United Methodist Church new sanctuary, November 15, 2020. Courtesy, FUMC Panama City
I recently made a trip to Florida’s Panhandle as I like to do from time to time, to see the progress in disaster recovery efforts post-Hurricane Michael. It’s been 26 months since the Cat-5 storm struck Mexico Beach and the greater Panama City area, moving northward from there into Georgia.
I was struck by the reopening of the First United Methodist Church, a mainstay of Panama City. It’s been a cornerstone of the community for 110 years and the damage suffered was devastating. Losses included the enormous stained glass windows that were crushed, the antique organ and piano destroyed, and as one parishioner said, “the walls came down.”
Hurricane Michael damage to the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, October 2018. Courtesy, FUMC Panama City
Those I spoke to are so thrilled to be able to sit in the sanctuary and remember the “memories made” for generations of families who have attended services there and how the new structure signals a “rebirth” of the area. The church is now holding services again in the sanctuary. As we approach the end of this year, entering 2021, we hope it is a new year filled with rebirths and new, fresh memories. I wish you a season of remembrance and a better, safer, healthier New Year ahead.
See you on the trail,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 12-14-20
