Update: Our most recent update from Thursday, January 9, can be found at this link.

We welcome your contributions to recovery efforts from the fires and wind. You can donate directly at calpacumc.org/donate.

Cal-Pac Community, we are praying continuously for you as we all navigate the unfolding situations with fires burning throughout Southern California. This morning, we received the heartbreaking news that Altadena UMC’s building was lost to the fire. This afternoon, footage of Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades on fire was shared on MSNBC, and that building was on fire as well. Many of our staff, clergy, and congregations have been displaced due to evacuations, including Bishop Escobedo-Frank and Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Paige Eaves. Others have lost their homes, lost power, or are hosting those who are evacuated. Lord, hear our prayer to surround our communities with support, protect our first responders, and see the fires extinguished quickly.

Below is a video update from Bishop Escobedo-Frank as of Wednesday afternoon, January 8:

At this time of fear, loss, and devastation, Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank shares this message:

Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Today we are facing trouble as fires rage in our cities. As we work together to care for those who are fleeing for safety, we remember God’s help and strength; we lean on each other for courage and encouragement; and we are grateful for every life saved and for the outpouring of love.

God is near.
Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank

We ask you to join us in praying for the safety and protection of residents, first responders, and structures. We know that you are looking for ways to help, and may be looking for resources as you navigate evacuations and loss. This post will be updated throughout this emergency with resources as they are available.

Specifically, we ask that you keep the following congregations and communities in your prayers: Altadena UMC, Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, Hollywod UMC Hollywod Campus, Sierra Madre UMC, La Cañada UMC, and First UMC Santa Monica.

As those who are evacuated seek shelter, several of our churches are open to provide safety, including:

• Hollywood UMC, To request access, call or text Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner (415) 541-3260
  • Harmony Toluca Lake Campus
    4301 Cahuenga Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA 91602
• First UMC Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 796-0157
• Crescenta Valley UMC, 2700 Montrose Ave., Montrose, CA 91020, call or text 818-249-6173

Please contact the church directly for information on the services they are offering. If your church is also open, please let us know by emailing afisher@calpacumc.org. We will continue to share opportunities to provide support and contribute to relief efforts as they are identified.

We welcome your contributions to recovery efforts from the fires and wind. You can donate directly at calpacumc.org/donate.