In his sermon, Barger reflected on the time Jesus was born into, the brutal rule of Caesar Augustus. In thePresbytery of Western Kentucky, which asked PDA to assist, severely impacted communities stretch from Mayfield more than two hours east to Bowling Green. "Its the center of our worship experience," the church's senior minster, Dr. Milton West, said on the 3rd hour of TODAY Monday. Burundi Reed and his wife were inside the church when the tornado barreled its way through the city in Graves County. (Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church), Danny continued, Weve got lots of family pictures in that church. Their children were baptized in that church building, which stood for more than 100 years. Belize The congregation, whose founding dates to before the Civil War, was about two months from moving into its newly remodeled, nearly century-old sanctuary when the tornado hit. Guinea IT WAS A FRIEND. To get breaking news alerts, click here. Albania A friend in the ministry had called to check in on him. Falkland Islands As we were talking with an architect last night, one of the things he encouraged us to ask as we talk to the congregation is what is your mission in Mayfield? Barger said, recalling the Jan. 10 session meeting. No one from the parish is known to have died as of Monday. That began simply with intrepid church members who went in on the days after the tornado struck to retrieve items including a stained-glass window, the cross from the churchs Communion table, the churchs handbells, and the blueprints for the building. Afghanistan Yahweh Baptist Church in downtown Mayfield, Ky., was devastated by a tornado that ripped through the region on Friday, Dec., 10, 2021. Somalia AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingAmerican SamoaCanal ZoneCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana IslandsFederated States of MicronesiaGuamMarshall IslandsNorthern Mariana IslandsPalauPhilippine IslandsPuerto RicoTrust Territory of the Pacific IslandsVirgin IslandsArmed Forces - AmericasArmed Forces - Europe, Canada, Middle East, AfricaArmed Forces - Pacific. . MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) After riding out the violent tornado that devastated their town in a tunnel under their church, the Rev. Slovak Republic I know her prayer, and mine, was that wed be spared. THE GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE. Yes, and Amen people responded, some raising their hands. Marshall Islands 1:09 A 100-year-old building that houses First United Methodist Church in Mayfield, Kentucky, was destroyed in the tornadoes that ripped through the state on Friday. Several of the Uptons sons were married there, and their grandchildren were baptized there. What do you do? LEXINGTON, Kentucky One month to the day after a tornado destroyed First Presbyterian Church of Mayfield's church building, its session voted to recommend to the congregation that the church rebuild on the same site. But over the month since the churchs 106-year-old building was all but leveled by a historic tornado, members have completed the process of recovering items that could be salvaged and clearing the site. The Sunday after the tornado, the members of First Presbyterian and First Christian held a joint communion service between their former buildings. (Photo by Ryan C. Hermens, Lexington Herald-Leader). Andy Beshear made that announcement Wednesday. Macau The First Presbyterian Sunday morning service was attended by several dozen members, turning the break room into a standing-room-only venue. Moldova, Republic of Wes Fowler and his family emerged to devastation stretching for blocks: Crackling power lines, piles of rubble and calls for help they couldnt pinpoint in the darkness. THATS EXACTLY WHAT I THINK. Mayfield, Ky., appears to have taken a direct hit in the center of the city from a strong, destructive tornado that is lofting debris to around 25,000 feet in the air, according to radar. "We grieve, we cry and we hug and we pull ourselves together and go to the next step of trying to recover and rethink where we want to be as a church, but our people have stayed strong during all of this," he said. Your donation helps us not only keep our quality of journalism high, but helps us continue to reach more people in the Churches of Christ community. For those who want to donate directly to the church, visit mayfieldfirst.comand click on the "Giving" tab. It was billed as a candlelight service, though Pastor Don Barger says it was hard to keep candles lit in the wind, even with hurricane lanterns, so cell phone flashlights were substituted. I was very glad to be with my wife. That was before a deadly tornado swept through Mayfield in December, tearing off the . 'A very dire situation': Gov. Martinique Congo, Republic of But the restaurant wanted to carry on last Saturday, helping give children some sense of normalcy amid the chaos. Those funds can often be spent locally, thereby boosting a hard-hit economy. Beshear says tornado death toll remains at 74, with 12 kids among victims. Cathy Lewis, a Central Presbyterian Church member and owner ofGather on Mainrestaurant, said through some friendship connections she was contacted by World Central Kitchen. Gov. Support my work with a digital subscription, Join the Herald-Leader in conversation with My Old Kentucky Home author Emily Bingham, CDC advises those at high risk for COVID mask up in these 3 KY counties. Bahrain The Uptons said the church has been grateful for financial and material donations from around the country since the tornadoes. But amidst the rubble, one unique artifact stood undamaged: an . Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, US Army: Helicopters crashed in mountains, fair weather, Army identifies 3 soldiers killed in Alaska helicopter crash, Recent U.S. military helicopter crashes in training missions, Kentucky tornado news latest: Fears death toll could pass 100 as Biden approves disaster declaration, He could have made it home: Woman claims Amazon told boyfriend to stay for tornado that took his life, Kentucky is my warm-hearted home. But for now, they say First Presbyterian is comfortable having its own space where it doesnt have to work around another congregations schedule. Several First Presbyterian members mentioned the Advent walk Sunday morning as the church gathered to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Ohio-based Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team is en route to help those impacted by the storm. Minister of Kentucky church talks about damage from tornado, Deadly tornado flattens Amazon warehouse in Illinois, killing at least 6, Families of Kentucky candle factory victims speak out after deadly tornado. Serbia Bulgaria Japan Behind him, a generator-powered spotlight hummed. Reed, the church's pastor the last four years, told CBS News' Norah O'Donnell that he offered to have his service after Christ United Methodist Church finished theirs. Kentucky The century-old church has long been an anchor in the Kentucky town of about 10,000 residents, holding countless worship services, weddings, funerals and baptisms. Damage remains in Mayfield, Kentucky, after a devastating 2021 tornado outbreak ripped through . Christmas Island Brunei Darrussalam Beshear chokes up as he talks about those killed in KY tornadoes, Interactive map: See which Kentucky counties are reporting tornado deaths, Drone footage shows tornado damage in Saloma, KY, Walk along a tornado damaged East Hall Street in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. A tornado devastated the community on Dec. 10, 2021. There are also considerations over how some elements of the old building, including the bell, may be incorporated into the new structure. But the church's pastor is counting his blessings and is still finding joy in the Advent season. Donna Webster, Centrals transitional pastor, says the church was left untouched, which has helped put it in a position to serve its members and the community. 11 of 15 killed by tornado in Bowling Green were from two families. First Christian Church in Mayfield, Kentucky, experienced the disaster firsthand. Ukraine Twenty miles away from His House in Boaz, a smaller church body assembled at Hardmoney Baptist. Fifteen people killed when a tornado struck Warren County, Kentucky, have been identified by the county's coroner Kevin Kirby. So the question will be considered during an upcoming congregational meeting. Papua New Guinea "Thanks be to God the parts of the building that came down didnt come down on us," said Reed, who wasstanding outside his church, much of it now a pile of rubble. Nepal Niger Lebanon Estonia Turkmenistan MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) Mayfield First United Methodist Church, a century-old temple with stately columns and stained-glass windows, has long been an anchor in the life of Kathy O'Nan, the city's 68-year-old mayor. British Indian Ocean Territory Singapore Andy Beshear says 'dozens' dead in Mayfield, Kentucky, candle factory hit by tornado On the Sunday night before the tornado, First Christian, First Methodist. (Photo by Rich Copley). Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. An altar and a cross at the First Christian Church of Mayfield remained standing despite most of the building being destroyed by a tornado. Jersey Despite the loss of his church, Waldridge, who calls himself a practical preacher, was optimistic. The church was invited by the nearbyChrist United Methodist Church to join them in worship on Sunday. Canada deadly tornado By mid-morning, Wes Fowler, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Mayfield, was walking through his damaged church building, torn to pieces by the devastating tornado that ripped through. In one of the pews was Brother Bob Waldridge, whos own church, Yahweh Baptist in downtown Mayfield, was decimated. American Samoa Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Mayfield First United Methodist Church was in the direct path of Friday night's tornado. Kyrgyzstan Guadeloupe One church family considered taking refuge in the churchs basement as the storms approached. Netherlands Cyprus Island Their decision not to go was a great decision because the whole church is in the basement now, First Presbyterian Church member Danny Upton said. Give toOne Great Hour of Sharingto enable Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to respond quickly to catastrophic events. Antigua and Barbuda Jenny Sims started playing organ in that building when she was 15. Some of its stained-glass windows blew out and a wall was cracked, delaying its reopening. For now, the church has made the breakroom at Kendor Wood, a kitchen cabinet door factory owned by the Uptons, its worship space. YOU GREW UP IN THIS AREA. Ways to volunteer, donate. Slovenia Christmas can be anywhere, Upton said, recalling, Jesus was born in the stable. Mayfield First United Methodist Church, which has been in the town since 1920, has been completely devastated. Bosnia and Herzegovina One wall of the church too appears to have given in. the church posted on its Facebook page early Saturday morning, Donate to relief funds, supplies and blood drives, Remembering those who have died in the December storm, Gov. Aruba Suriname It probably lasted 30 seconds or more. (AP Photo/Holly Meyer), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. If you are in an area affected by the storm and can share information or photos, please contact Erik Tryggestad at [emailprotected]. You may freely reuse and distribute this article in its entirety for non-commercial purposes in any medium. Our faith is positive, and God is never the author of bad things in peoples lives.". Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Mayfield First United Methodist Church was in the direct path of Friday night's tornado. Were not a lot of help in the field, Lewis says. | PRAY FOR EVERYONE THAT LOST EVERYTHING AND THEIR LOVED ONES ON 12/10 | WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER Dancing in the Sky - Beverly Ann. You have viewed 1 out of 3 free page views. Whats in the future for us? Despite those losses, hundreds of people flocked to evangelical churches across Mayfield on Sunday for solace. The church continues to ask the public to stay clear of the building,20 N. Main St. "It is not safe to be in there," the church posted Saturday and reminded the publicSunday. (Photo by Ryan C. Hermens, Lexington Herald-Leader). Real America showed up in Western Kentucky, Danny Upton said. Cook Islands . They also say that the church would like to be part of a revitalized core of Mayfield. The kids were crying, and I was telling them verbally, Were going to be OK. Were going to be OK. But in my mind I was thinking we might not be OK.. Russian Federation "What you try to do is have them reframe, rethink what it all means and not to overinterpret it," he said. But he felt he knew what to do next: glorify God amid the suffering, and serve those in need. Dominica Belarus The present building was designed in 1915 and was completed in 1920. I DONT KNOW HOW WE WILL REBUILD, BUT THAT DOESNT MATTER NEARLY AS MUCH AS THE MISSION AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH REBUILDING AND THATS WHAT WERE AIMING FOR. This is a developing story. In the main church area, only a few pew benches have survived. Chad Turks and Caicos Islands I am also praying for those who were injured and saw their homes or businesses damaged or destroyed. Anguilla Tokelau The AP is solely responsible for this content. 'Well make it': Some Mayfield residents staying put in damaged homes. "We heard furniture in the foyer bouncing around and then we felt fresh air under the closet doors and we realized it was open to the elements somehow," Reed said. "We will come back from this, I don't know how we will rebuild but that doesn't matter as much as the mission and ministry of the church rebuilding and that's what we're aiming for," he said. FRANKFORT Kentucky officials are opening up applications this summer for almost $124 million in federal funding to help rebuild housing and infrastructure primarily in tornado-impacted western Kentucky, which Gov. Everything else is replaceable.". "Our goal for the day is we hope to get it out of the building and preserve it along with a few other artifacts. TikTok video from BlackedOutTinting66 (@blackedouttinting66): "Pray for everyone who lost everything #mayfield #kentucky #tornado #mayfieldstrong". Video courtesy of the Rev. Iceland The Nashville-based ministry is sending trucks of relief supplies that should arrive Saturday evening, Alverson said. This gives us a way we are able to help., Lewis and Webster both invoke this thought: Kind acts are like snowflakes. United Arab Emirates New Caledonia This church has been a vital part of our lives, but its not just the building its our church family, Samples said. Micronesia Saint Lucia The sanctuary is now a jumbled mess of bricks, pews and organ. Guatemala Pastor Faris Sahawneh was preaching out of 2 Corinthians about how the Apostle Paul survived his own lifes storms. Pictures do not do justice to what we see, Samples said. Shes from Owensboro, Ky., and previously worked at the Bangor Daily News and other newspapers in Maine. Weve always tried to be of service to the community, said Melinda Craig, First Presbyterian Churchs clerk of session. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing news stories and features across the trending, pop culture, sports, parents, pets, health, style, food and TMRW verticals. Alone they are small, but together they cover everything., Even if it doesnt look a lot like Christmas . When speaking about her congregation, Simmons said, "they're like familyJust a family.".