Thursday, January 4: With an energetic crew cleaning the sanctuary and massive fans in the sanctuary, narthex, and adjoining hallways as well as throughout the building, we'll have a good setting for a special service of healing and thanksgiving on Sunday, January 7.

And isn't it our God-given human nature that we are able to find humor in the midst of difficult circumstances? Says Doug Patterson, senior minister, the title for this photo could well be

"Would you just look at this mess?" Mary seems to be telling Joseph.
"You'd better get this stable cleaned up today, mister!"

From December 26 through December 31, Afrika Yetu sponsored daily Kwanzaa celebrations open to the public and concluding New Year's Eve with a gala party. The musical instruments and equipment they used during the program remained in the Social Hall. All were lost in the fire – including congas, keyboards, guitars, amplifiers, PA System, and a complete drum set owned by Jim Donovan, a founding member of Rusted Root, who offers Smithfield Drum Circles monthly at the church. A piece of good news is that an antique African Ngoma drum may be restorable.

Tuesday, January 2, in an e-mail message to members and friends of Smithfield United Church of Christ for whom e-mail addresses were available, Doug Patterson wrote:

"It's a hectic day here, as you might imagine. The church is filled with restoration crews, cleaning crews, plumbers, electricians, building inspectors, insurance adjusters, media, fire investigators, curiosity seekers, well wishers, etc. All in all, I'm very happy with the progress that's being made and continue to be thankful that no one was injured.

"The social hall has been totally destroyed, and the rest of the building sustained smoke and water damage. We had to reschedule a couple of meetings this week but we will be worshiping in our sanctuary this coming Sunday, January 7! In fact, we will be joined in worship by the members of African United Fellowship. They meet in our fellowship hall (or, at least, they used to!) on Sunday afternoons. But this Sunday our two congregations will worship together. We'll have special music, communion, installation of officers, a reception following the service . . . it will be an exciting time, and I hope you'll be in attendance.

. . . "Many of you have asked about coming down to help in some way. Your concern is greatly appreciated but, actually, at this point everything is being taken care of. I'm sure that there will be plenty to do in the next several weeks."

– – Doug

An alert passer-by, an off-duty policeman, a call to the Pittsburgh Fire Department and a quick response by firefighters save Smithfield Church.

  – through you and me!

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