We have all been watching and praying as the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena and the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses and displaced over 200,000 people. Many of us have friends and loved ones who are affected and know people who lost their homes. Altadena Community Church UCC, (a fellow “ACC” UCC) lost their building in the fire, along with a number of other communities of faith. Their pastor had also just announced his retirement and upcoming departure. Over 5000 homes have been destroyed. The devastation is immense and it weighs heavy on all of our hearts.
Pastor Jen lived in Altadena before moving to the Bay Area and the Chapmans still own a home there. (It was barely spared, just 4 houses away and across one intersection from the nearest fire. Smoke damage is anticipated, but unconfirmed.) Jen is in communication with clergy in the area who are working to organize disaster relief, and also continues to be connected to the community through neighborhood Facebook pages.
Here are some ways you can give and pray:
GIVE:
LaCanada Congregational Church UCC is organizing volunteer efforts, fundraising to help fire victims with immediate needs, and providing supplies to people in the community. (Pastor Jen’s friend, Rev. Kyle Sears, is a great organizer and is leading these efforts.) You can give via Venmo @lacanadachurch or you can give via PayPal.
First United Methodist Church of Pasadena (where Pastor Jen ministered before coming to ACC) is providing shelter, meals, and ongoing community support for fire victims. Give to FUMC Fire Support Efforts
First Congregational Church of Pasadena UCC (meets at FUMC Pasadena and helped Jen transition to the UCC) is collecting donations to support immediate needs of fire victims. Give to FCC’s Eaton Fire Relief Fund
The UCC’s Global HOPE Team will coordinate with ecumenical partners and a national network of voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD) as it shapes a long-term response. You can donate to the UCC's California Wildfires 2025 Appeal online or by mailing a check to support the community's immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts.
You can mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Please note "California Wildfires 2025" in the memo section of your check.
Many Black families lost homes in Altadena and we know through our anti-poverty and racial justice work how challenging and important homeownership is for Black families. You can support Black families who lost their homes or are currently displaced (many homes still standing are uninhabitable) by donating to their GoFund Me pages. Obviously you can’t support them all, but pray for them all and give as you feel led. Displaced Black Families GoFund Me Directory
PRAY:
For firefighters still fighting the fires, especially those who have lost their own homes, may their bodies, minds, and spirits be protected
For incarcerated people fighting the fires, may they receive just compensation, care, and future opportunities
For all who lost their lives in the fires, may their souls rest in peace and may their loved ones be comforted
For all who have lost their homes and belongings; for all who are displaced and uncertain when they can return; for all who are desperately searching for temporary housing they can afford; for all who are rooming with friends or family, for all who are sleeping in cars, shelters, churches, or tents, may they all be supported by their nation, state, city, communities, neighbors, families, and friends with everything they need to recover from this tragedy
For all who are fighting with insurance companies, or trying to get them to answer the phone, and for all who don’t have the energy to advocate for themselves, may they get the help they need
For all who lost their schools in the fire…children, families, teachers and staff
For all who lost businesses, so many of them small and independent, projects of passion that were gifts to the community
For all who lost the beloved buildings of their faith communities, places of nurture, respite, and community
For Altadena Community Church UCC as they discern their next steps
For city, state, and national leaders making decisions about how to respond
For everyone cleaning up debris and toxic ash, may they be kept safe from harm
For all who are working to provide shelter and support, may they be given strength and endurance
For all who may be tempted to profit from this tragedy, may they be moved to act justly and mercifully
For all who are moved to help, may they act with wisdom and patience to help in ways that are actually helpful
For all who are giving financially, volunteering, and making personal sacrifices on behalf of others, may their cups overflow and all their own needs be met